In a major coup for English rugby, the RFU has secured the services of elite coach John Mitchell as the new head coach of the England Women's team, the Red Roses. The highly respected New Zealander, formerly of the All Blacks and England men's defence coach, steps into the role following the departure of Simon Middleton.
Mitchell's appointment signals a bold new era for the side, which narrowly missed out on World Cup glory last year, falling to New Zealand in a thrilling final. His extensive experience at the very pinnacle of international rugby is seen as the key to finally guiding the talented Red Roses squad to ultimate success.
A Proven Winner Takes the Helm
John Mitchell is no stranger to high-pressure environments. His CV boasts the top job with the New Zealand All Blacks, head coach roles with Super Rugby franchises, and most recently, a successful stint as defence coach for Eddie Jones' and later Steve Borthwick's England men's team. This deep understanding of the English rugby system makes him a uniquely qualified candidate.
RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby, Conor O'Shea, hailed the appointment, stating the organisation was "thrilled" to bring Mitchell on board. O'Shea emphasised Mitchell's "incredible pedigree" and proven track record of "developing leaders and teams on the international stage."
Building on a Strong Legacy
Mitchell takes over a team that has been a dominant force under the leadership of Simon Middleton, who left the role after a celebrated seven-year tenure. The challenge now is to convert that consistent performance into World Cup victory.
The new head coach expressed his honour at being appointed, acknowledging the strong foundations left by Middleton. "The Red Roses are a proud team with a strong history and I’m looking forward to working with the staff and players to continue building on the legacy created by Simon," Mitchell said.
His immediate focus will be on the upcoming WXV tournament in New Zealand this autumn, followed by a home World Cup in 2025, presenting the ultimate opportunity for glory on home soil.
