England Rugby World Cup winner becomes headteacher after career switch

Annie Cole, who lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup with England back in 1994 after defeating the USA in the final at Edinburgh’s Raeburn Place, has taken her first headteacher role at Braywood CE First School in Oakley Green this September.

After hanging up her boots, Cole pursued her long-held dream of teaching — a passion she’s carried for nearly two decades.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Cole said. “I love seeing children grow, learn, and develop that same love for learning that I’ve always had.”

Before turning to education, Cole graduated with a degree in Applied Chemistry and worked in the industry — all while juggling her rugby commitments.

Now 58, she reflected on her sporting journey: “I played a lot of different sports as a child, and a local rugby club asked me to give rugby a go. I got hooked straight away — it became my passion.”

That passion led to more than 20 years in the game, representing top clubs including Saracens and Henley, and ultimately achieving the pinnacle of women’s rugby by becoming a World Cup winner.

“Winning the World Cup was an amazing achievement,” she said. “It was a real privilege to play, travel, and be part of such an incredible sport.”

From rugby pitches to school halls, Annie Cole continues to lead with the same determination and enthusiasm that made her a world champion.