New Zealand union coach John Mitchell has decided to extend his deal with the England women’s rugby team. Mitchell, who has served as Red Roses head coach since 2023, will see him continue his tenure with the team for a longer term this time. Meanwhile, England’s record point-scorer Emily Scarratt will coach the team for the upcoming 2026 Six Nations Championship, set to begin on February 6.
Under Mitchell’s leadership, the Red Roses have won two Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams, two WXV 1 titles and their recent World Cup triumph. He led the team to their first World Cup victory on home soil last year, which was achieved after 11 years of hard work. Leading England to their glory earned Mitchell the ‘2025 World Rugby Coach of the Year’ award. He will, however, be a part of the team’s preparation for the next Rugby World Cup to be held in 2029.
Expressing his excitement about Mitchell’s decision to continue forward with the Red Roses, Executive Director of Performance Rugby at the RFU, Conor O’Shea said, “We are all delighted that ‘Mitch’ has committed to this next cycle, and if anything, he is more driven to see the Red Roses become better versions of themselves.”
Meanwhile, Scarratt will begin her coaching with the team for the upcoming Six Nations tournament. After the World Cup triumph, the Red Roses’ highest point-scorer of all time decided to end her career. She will, however, continue her tenure with PWR club Loughborough Lightning as an assistant coach.
Mitchell on getting global recognition for Red Roses
After announcing his deal extension with the Red Roses, Mitchell, during a recent interview, revealed that his decision comes into focus with the success and growth the England women’s rugby team is currently undergoing, and he wishes to foster it during his time.
Mitchell said, “This emerging group has the opportunity to continue leading our game globally. By driving higher standards and continually seeking new performance gains, the programme can build on what is already in place and push for new trends,” he added.
In the team, Mitchell will have the support of Louis Deacon (forwards coach) and defence coach Sarah Hunter. Lou Meadows will, however, exit from her role as an attack coach. In the interview, Mitchell further noted that the 2026 season will be primarily used for the team’s preparation, training, and to foster the players’ individual skills for successful teamwork.
“The immediate focus, however, is 2026. There is a strong sense of unfinished opportunities within the group, and that will shape our preparation, training approach, and ongoing drive to raise our floor as we build our hunger in dynasty,” he added.
