Emily Scarratt, a luminary of English rugby, has permanently joined the Red Roses' coaching staff, continuing her collaboration with head coach John Mitchell through the next World Cup cycle. Initially stepping in as interim attack coach for the 2026 Six Nations, Scarratt will now serve in a full-time role until 2029. Her transition from an illustrious playing career, which saw her earn 117 Test caps and contribute to 11 Six Nations victories and two World Cup triumphs, to coaching began post-retirement in October last year.
Scarratt's coaching journey commenced shortly after hanging up her boots when she took up a role with PWR side Loughborough Lightning. She then moved to the national setup, contributing significantly to the Red Roses' recent success, where they clinched another Grand Slam title.
"The Six Nations was challenging but hugely rewarding in equal measure. I’d spent so many years in the Red Roses environment as a player, so stepping into a coaching role in the same setting was a new experience and, at times, slightly unnerving. There was plenty of uncertainty, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and learned so much already."
Scarratt expressed profound enjoyment in her coaching role, emphasizing the evolution she witnessed within herself and the team. Her insights and leadership have already been recognized as instrumental in enhancing the squad's attacking strategies.
"It’s been a real privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can continue to develop our attack. We have a fantastic pool of players who are eager to keep improving and express themselves on the pitch. There’s a huge amount of ambition within this team, and I’m proud to be part of the journey as we continue to grow and build towards the future."
John Mitchell, head coach of the Red Roses, praised Scarratt for the profound impact she has had. Her transition from player to coach appeared seamless due to her deep understanding of the team’s ethos and her strategic thinking.
"Emily has already made a significant impact on our environment in a coaching capacity, and during the Six Nations she proved to be a huge asset with the insight, calmness and experience she brings every day. She leads by example and has a deep understanding of what it means to represent the Red Roses; she is someone who adds immense value to everyone around her. Emily has a brilliant coaching brain and cares deeply about evolving our game. We’re excited to see her continue to develop as a coach and help drive the team forward."
With Scarratt at the helm of the attack, the future of the Red Roses looks bright. Her role will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the team's strategy and performance in the upcoming competitive cycles, continuing a legacy of excellence that she helped build as a player.
