Emily Scarratt's Transition from Player to Coach in Six Nations Spotlight
In a significant career shift, Emily Scarratt has embarked on her first Guinness Women's Six Nations tournament as the Red Roses' lead attack and backs coach. This move comes just seven months after she retired from professional rugby, following her second World Cup victory. Appointed in January to replace Lou Meadows, Scarratt now finds herself on the opposite side of the training pitch, guiding the very teammates she once played alongside.
Navigating Friendships and Authority in a New Role
Scarratt openly admitted that her primary concern upon accepting the coaching position was how to manage relationships with close friends within the squad. Having roomed with current England scrum-half Mo Hunt for years and co-hosting a successful podcast together, the dynamic shift required careful adjustment. "It's a baptism of fire in many ways," Scarratt remarked, highlighting the novelty of her role despite her extensive experience in camp environments.
She elaborated on the challenges, stating, "It's quite different being on the other side of things. That was one of my slight reservations because it can be tricky. Lots of people do it, but it can be tricky. You know, some of my actual best friends in the whole world are a part of the squad and you're now having to coach." However, Scarratt emphasized that authenticity has been key to her approach, avoiding any pretense that would undermine respect from the players.
Positive Early Experiences and Team Dynamics
Despite initial apprehensions, Scarratt reported a smooth transition so far. "It's been pretty chilled so far, which is how I wanted it to be. Obviously, with no games yet there's not been too many tough conversations," she said. She noted that the players still give her "a lot of grief," which she views as a positive sign that she hasn't overstepped boundaries. The true test, she acknowledged, will come as the tournament progresses and more difficult discussions arise.
England kicked off their Six Nations campaign with a 33-12 victory over Ireland at home, drawing a record crowd of 77,120 spectators. The team is currently navigating absences, including retired players like Abby Dow and pregnant squad members such as skipper Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Lark Atkin-Davies. In their absence, Meg Jones stepped up as captain and earned the Player of the Match award in her debut leadership role.
Leadership Confidence and Off-Field Ventures
Scarratt expressed strong confidence in Jones's capabilities, praising her leadership qualities. "I know so much is spoken about Meg and obviously everything that she's been through, but she's a brilliant leader," Scarratt said. She highlighted the support from Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews, noting their collective passion and drive. "For Meg, it's still always about just doing her job first. Obviously, the captaincy thing is a new thing, but I think she'll do a brilliant job and she's certainly got the girls on board."
Beyond coaching, Scarratt has taken on an additional role as the official "Fancierge" for IHG Hotels & Resorts, the official hotel partner of the Guinness Women's Six Nations. In this capacity, she curates and tests authentic experiences for fans, transforming Six Nations trips into weekends filled with new pre-match rituals. This initiative allows supporters to sign up for complimentary activities in various host cities, adding an extra layer of engagement to the tournament.
As Scarratt continues to adapt to her coaching responsibilities, her journey serves as an inspiring example of post-retirement reinvention in sports. With her deep understanding of the game and strong rapport with the team, she is poised to make a significant impact on the Red Roses' performance in the Six Nations and beyond.
