World Cup-winning former All Blacks head coach agrees contract with RFU

The reigning World Rugby Coach of the Year, who guided England to World Cup success in 2025, has committed to leading the programme through the next World Cup cycle.

Mitchell’s tenure with the Red Roses has been marked by sustained success. A run of 25 consecutive victories has underpinned a world-record winning streak, delivering two Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams, two WXV 1 titles and England’s first Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 11 years.

Prior to his time with England, Mitchell was appointed head coach of New Zealand in October 2001. His first match in charge came just a month later against Ireland in Dublin, where the All Blacks claimed a 40–29 victory, followed by wins over Scotland (37–6) and Argentina (24–20). In 2002, New Zealand were unable to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup, having last won the trophy in 1997, but regained it the following year by winning both matches in the series.

Mitchell led the All Blacks to a third-place finish at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, topping Pool D with victories over Italy, Canada, Tonga and Wales. New Zealand defeated South Africa 29–9 in the quarter-finals before losing 22–10 to hosts Australia in the semi-finals. Following that defeat, Mitchell departed his role as head coach.

Under Mitchell’s leadership, the Red Roses have also cemented their position as the world’s number-one ranked team, achieving a rating of 98.09 points — the highest ever recorded by any women’s or men’s side in the history of the game.

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

“The past three years have been both challenging and rewarding, delivering success at the highest level while enabling authenticity within the group. That period has helped establish strong standards, clarity of purpose, deeper connections and a winning culture.

“This emerging group has an opportunity to continue leading the global game. By driving higher standards and constantly seeking new performance gains, the programme can build on what is already in place and push into new territory.

“The immediate focus, however, is 2026. There is a strong sense of unfinished business within the group, and that will shape our preparation, training approach and continued drive to raise our floor as we build our hunger for sustained success.”

Executive Director of Performance Rugby at the RFU, Conor O’Shea, added: “We are all delighted that Mitch has committed to the next cycle, and if anything, he is more driven than ever to help the Red Roses become better versions of themselves.

“He has built a culture that delivers on the biggest stage, and just as importantly, he is deeply committed to growing the team’s legacy and creating something that will last long beyond his coaching tenure.”

Mitchell will continue to be supported by forwards coach Louis Deacon and defence coach Sarah Hunter, while Lou Meadows will depart her role as attack coach.

Meadows joined the Red Roses in the summer of 2023 and oversaw an attack that scored 215 tries in 28 matches, contributing to two Six Nations titles, two WXV tournaments and a Rugby World Cup victory.

The RFU thanked Lou for her significant contribution to the Red Roses’ success, as well as her previous work within the U20s programme, and wished her every success in the future.

Mitchell will assume responsibility as head of attack for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, with England women’s all-time leading points scorer Emily Scarratt taking on lead attack and backs coach duties for the tournament. The 35-year-old brought the curtain down on her distinguished playing career following World Cup success and will continue in her role as an assistant coach at PWR club Loughborough Lightning.