Simon Middleton has taken on a new role as high performance adviser to the Japan national women’s 15s team.
Named World Rugby coach of the year in 2021, Middleton won five Grand Slams and six women’s Six Nations titles in his seven-year reign as the Red Roses head coach.
The most recent title came three months ago in front of a record-breaking crowd of 58,498 as fans packed into Twickenham to witness history in the making and a thrilling 38-33 win over France.
Now Middleton is relishing his next challenge and is excited by the “massive potential” of Sakura 15s.
“There were a couple of full-t...