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06 Apr 2026
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06 Apr 2026
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England head coach John Mitchell has signed a new contract to lead the team to the 2029 World Cup in Australia.
The 61-year-old guided the Red Roses to World Cup glory on home soil last year following a 33-13 victory over Canada in the final at Twickenham in September.
England are currently on a world-record 25-match winning run and have clinched two Six Nations Grand Slams since Mitchell was appointed in 2023.
Coaching contract extensions 🙌
John Mitchell has committed his future with the Red Roses through to the next World Cup cycle, supported by forwards coach Louis Deacon and defence coach Sarah Hunter.
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) January 29, 2026
“I am pleased to extend my time with the Red Roses,” the 2025 World Rugby coach of the year said in a statement.
“This extension provides continuity across a World Cup cycle and enables the programme to operate with a clear, long-term vision.”
Mitchell will be supported by forwards coach Louis Deacon and defence coach Sarah Hunter, while Lou Meadows is set to depart her role as attack coach.
England’s record points-scorer Emily Scarratt, 35, joins the coaching set-up as “lead attack and backs coach” after calling time on her playing career following last year’s World Cup triumph.
“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,” continued Mitchell.
“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.
“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.”
England are set to return to action on April 11 when they host Ireland on the opening weekend of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations.
Sk tes opened its new facility in the Shannon Free Zone back in January. Photographed on that day doing the opening was Clare TD and Minister of State Timmy Dooley | PICTURE: Arthur Ellis
Limerick Courthouse, Mulgrave Street | FILE PHOTO
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton launches the project at St Patrick’s NS in Galway which last year won the 2025 Pollinator Project’s Golden Bee Award
Desmond College School student Sophie Keane Picture: Arthur Ellis
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