The Red Roses will continue their journey under the guidance of John Mitchell, who has re-signed as head coach after leading England to their recent World Cup victory in 2025. Fresh off a historic triumph and a string of 25 consecutive wins, Mitchell's new long-term contract signals a bright future for England's dominant women's rugby team.
Mitchell, named World Rugby Coach of the Year, has been instrumental in England's rise to the top of the world rankings, a position underscored by a record score of 98.09 points. His leadership has not only brought home two Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams and two WXV 1 titles, but also a coveted World Cup victory, the team's first in 11 years.
"I am pleased to extend my time with the Red Roses. This extension provides continuity across a World Cup cycle and enables the programme to operate with a clear, long-term vision,"
Mitchell expressed. He highlighted the past years as a blend of challenge and reward, emphasizing the development of a winning culture and a clear purpose within the team.
The coaching staff sees some shifts with Louis Deacon continuing as forwards coach and Sarah Hunter as defence coach. Significant changes include Lou Meadows departing as attack coach, with England’s all-time highest point-scorer, Emily Scarratt, stepping up to lead the attack and backs for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations. Scarratt, who transitioned from player to coach following the World Cup, remains an assistant coach at Loughborough Lightning.
"The immediate focus, however, is 2026. There is a strong sense of unfinished opportunities within the group, and that will shape our preparation, training approach, and ongoing drive to raise our floor as we build our hunger in dynasty,"
Mitchell added, signaling his forward-looking approach and determination to elevate the team further.
Conor O’Shea, Executive Director of Performance Rugby at the RFU, praised Mitchell’s renewed commitment: “We are all delighted that Mitch has committed to this next cycle, and if anything, he is more driven to see the Red Roses become better versions of themselves. He has created a Red Roses culture that has delivered success on the biggest stage, and just as importantly, he is deeply committed to growing the team’s legacy whilst creating something that will last long beyond his coaching role.”
As the Red Roses gear up for the 2026 season, the team's structure and coaching dynamics point toward another period of robust performances and potential accolades under Mitchell's seasoned leadership.
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The Red Roses will continue their journey under the guidance of John Mitchell, who has re-signed as head coach after leading England to their recent World Cup victory in 2025. Fresh off a historic triumph and a string of 25 consecutive wins, Mitchell's new long-term contract signals a bright future for England's dominant women's rugby team.
Mitchell, named World Rugby Coach of the Year, has been instrumental in England's rise to the top of the world rankings, a position underscored by a record score of 98.09 points. His leadership has not only brought home two Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams and two WXV 1 titles, but also a coveted World Cup victory, the team's first in 11 years.
"I am pleased to extend my time with the Red Roses. This extension provides continuity across a World Cup cycle and enables the programme to operate with a clear, long-term vision,"
Mitchell expressed. He highlighted the past years as a blend of challenge and reward, emphasizing the development of a winning culture and a clear purpose within the team.
The coaching staff sees some shifts with Louis Deacon continuing as forwards coach and Sarah Hunter as defence coach. Significant changes include Lou Meadows departing as attack coach, with England’s all-time highest point-scorer, Emily Scarratt, stepping up to lead the attack and backs for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations. Scarratt, who transitioned from player to coach following the World Cup, remains an assistant coach at Loughborough Lightning.
"The immediate focus, however, is 2026. There is a strong sense of unfinished opportunities within the group, and that will shape our preparation, training approach, and ongoing drive to raise our floor as we build our hunger in dynasty,"
Mitchell added, signaling his forward-looking approach and determination to elevate the team further.
Conor O’Shea, Executive Director of Performance Rugby at the RFU, praised Mitchell’s renewed commitment: “We are all delighted that Mitch has committed to this next cycle, and if anything, he is more driven to see the Red Roses become better versions of themselves. He has created a Red Roses culture that has delivered success on the biggest stage, and just as importantly, he is deeply committed to growing the team’s legacy whilst creating something that will last long beyond his coaching role.”
As the Red Roses gear up for the 2026 season, the team's structure and coaching dynamics point toward another period of robust performances and potential accolades under Mitchell's seasoned leadership.