Mitchell to succeed Middleton as Red Roses boss
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: England Defence Coach John Mitchell prior to the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus)
The RFU has confirmed the appointment of John Mitchell as Simon Middleton’s successor as coach of the England women‘s team.
Mitchell, 59, will take over the mantle after the Rugby World Cup later this year, where he is coaching the defence of the Japanese men’s side.
Louis Deacon will continue as forwards coach and will lead the team until Mitchell joins, while Charlie Hayter moves into the new role of head of women’s performance.
New Zealander Mitchell has led a number of men’s teams including his own national team, where he had an 82% win record and reached the semi-finals of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Sale Sharks, USA, and numerous Currie Cup and Super Rugby (now URC) teams in South Africa.
He worked with the England men’s team as forwards coach between 1997-2000 and, having applied unsuccessfully for the head coach role in 2015, defence coach between 2018-2021.
Mitchell succeeds Simon Middleton, who helped England win the Six Nations title in every year but one since 2017, and guided them to two World Cup finals.
“The Red Roses have set an incredible standard and foundation for women’s rugby, being the most successful team in the Six Nations which is a tremendous achievement,” Mitchell said.
“We now have the opportunity to build on this, mature in key areas and become a truly champion side that can rightfully contest for the World Cup in 2025.
“I would like to honour the hugely supportive Red Roses fans with successful performances as we work towards winning and selling out Twickenham Stadium for the Rugby World Cup in 2025.”
England’s most capped player and former captain, Sarah Hunter, has been appointed to the role of transition coach to work with both the senior women’s team and pathway programme, while Lou Meadows has been promoted from her role as U20s head coach to attack coach for the women’s senior team.
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