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John Mitchell signs long-term contract with World Cup winning Red Roses

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: John Mitchell, Head Coach of England, poses for a photo with the trophy following victory in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

England’s Rugby World Cup-winning head coach John Mitchell has signed a long-term contract with the Red Roses, committing his future through the next World Cup cycle.

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Mitchell has experienced unbelievable success with the women’s national team since being appointed to the role in May 2023. Since taking up the position the Red Roses have won 25 games on the bounce, contributing to a world-record winning run, resulting in two Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams, two WXV 1 titles and a first World Cup triumph for 11 years.

Under the World Rugby Coach of the Year, the Red Roses have cemented their world number one ranking of 98.09 points – the most of any women’s or men’s side in the history of the game.

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“I am pleased to extend my time with the Red Roses,” said Mitchell. “This extension provides continuity across a World Cup cycle and enables the programme to operate with a clear, long-term vision.

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“The past three years have been both challenging and rewarding, delivering success at the highest level while allowing for authenticity of individuals within the Red Roses. That period has helped establish strong standards, clarity of purpose, greater connections and a culture that wins.

“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.

“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.”

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Mitchell will continue to be supported by forwards coach Louis Deacon and defence coach Sarah Hunter while Lou Meadows is set to depart her role as attack coach with recently retired England stalwart Emily Scarratt assuming lead attack and backs coach responsibilities for the upcoming Six Nations championship in April.


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2 Comments
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CN 6 mins ago

7 consecutive W6N titles, 6 Grand Slams, 1 WRWC, what are the unfinished opportunities?

H
Hammer Head 34 mins ago

Seems like all the NZers with international experience are signing up for long term deals these days

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Chris929 1 hour ago
Why the PWR this February is going to be box-office

There are only 9 PWR sides and 1 of those(leicester) is a way off the other teams. Once you take out the current 35-40 england internationals, a few players that have previously been capped or no longer being picked(Sarah beckett,poppy cleall,sophie bridger etc) then you include the huge number of internationals from wales,scotland,ireland,spain,south africa, canada,usa, new zealand-there clearly is not much space for young up and coming players or late developers.Thats the main difference between now and when the current red roses broke through-that group got opportunities to play young and develop-now its much harder. you literally have to be international quality to get a game for the top sides. Where does that leave the youngsters? You wont develop not playing or playing lower level rugby in the champ or in bucs. players do need to be exposed to the highest level regularly to develop.Of course you will still get a few great youngsters-like sarah parry or haneala lutui breaking through but they more the exception.

I dont see what changes when these players finish uni and bucs-they still going to have a canadian international,a scottish international,a black fern blocking their path to the first team. Now we have so many non english in the league the amount of english players coming through is simply going to be far less than years ago. You look around the league and there are hardly many english players right now knocking on the red roses door are there? where are the next generation? they should be already playing in the league but only a few are. Wheres the next great young scrum half? hooker? fullback?



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