Former Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp lands new role with the RFU

Former Wallaroos head coach and England scrum-half Jo Yapp has been appointed the Head of Women’s Pathway at the RFU.

The role is a brand-new role at England Rugby which will begin from July 2026.

Yapp will work collaboratively with Head of Women’s Performance, Charlie Hayter, to align on the future England women’s pathway priorities, whilst leading on the delivery of the strategic direction of the women’s pathway, with a clear ambition to maintain the current world number ones and World Cup holders England as a world-leading team.

The role will look to develop stronger player pathways and thriving domestic leagues, including supporting Premiership Women’s Rugby.

Yapp represented the Red Roses as a player at three World Cups and has previously been head coach of the England Under-20s as well as Worcester Warriors and the Barbarians.

Most recently, she led Australia to a quarter-final finish at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

“I’m incredibly passionate about the women’s pathway,” said the 70-time capped England international.

“The pathway is in a really strong place, thanks to the commitment and passion behind so much outstanding work. It’s special to be coming back into this space and to work alongside people who care deeply about making a real difference.

“I want to use the knowledge and experience I’ve gained from different environments to keep driving the pathway forward and support its continued growth.”

Until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, Yapp will take on a consultancy role as an advisor across the pathway programmes as well as supporting Emily Scarratt’s interim role as attack and backs coach with the Red Roses.