Matt Ferguson exits Harlequins to take up Red Roses role

Matt Ferguson has left his role with PREM Rugby club Harlequins to take up a role with the RFU as a scrum and contact skills coach.

The former Northampton Saints scrum coach will work with John Mitchell’s Red Roses and in the women’s pathway system. In a previous stint with the RFU, Ferguson was the Red Roses’ forwards coach for three years and contributed to the team’s run to the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.

Ferguson is credited with converting Sarah Bern from a back-row to tighthead prop.

He then spent seven seasons with Northampton Saints between 2018 and 2025, in which time a number of the East Midlanders’ tight five forwards gained Test honours, before he joined Harlequins as lead rugby transition coach.

Ferguson will join the Red Roses for their three-match tour of North America. They will play WXV Global Series 2026 fixtures against Canada and the USA Women’s Eagles.

Charlie Hayter, Head of Women’s Performance, said: “Ferg brings a huge amount of experience to the Red Roses and the women’s pathway.

“He has worked at the elite end of the game for over a decade and has a track record for improving the skillset of some England’s top international forwards in both the men’s and women’s game.

“His expertise and attention to detail will have a big impact on our current Red Roses whilst developing those in our pathway who aspire to be a senior international in the future.”

It has also been confirmed that Andy Holloway has rejoined the team as skills and kicking coach. Holloway spent three years with the team, including in the build-up to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

A coach at various different levels, Holloway spent seven years with Champ Rugby side Ealing Trailfinders and with the England men’s and women’s sevens squads.

Hayter added: “Hollers has played an important part in the Red Roses’ success over the past three years including the 2025 Rugby World Cup win. He has also had a key role in the progression and development of our pathway players.

“His knowledge and understanding of the players make him a valued member of our performance team, and we’re really pleased to have him continuing with us.”