The most dominant force in women’s world rugby has sent an unmistakable message to her rivals: the Red Roses are only just beginning. John Mitchell, the architect of England’s unprecedented success and the man who delivered a long-awaited World Cup triumph on home soil last September, has committed his future to the programme by signing a long-term contract that will extend beyond the 2029 tournament in Australia.

Key developments

• John Mitchell signs long-term contract through the 2029 World Cup cycle in Australia
• England’s record points-scorer Emily Scarratt joins coaching staff as attack and backs coach
• Attack coach Lou Meadows departs after overseeing 215 tries in 28 matches
• Mitchell remains available for potential British and Irish Lions Women’s head coach role
• More than 50,000 tickets already sold for Six Nations opener against Ireland

The announcement, made by England Rugby on Thursday, represents a significant statement of intent from the Rugby Football Union as it seeks to build upon the remarkable achievements of a team that has redefined excellence in the women’s game. Under Mitchell’s stewardship, the Red Roses have not merely dominated; they have established standards that may never be surpassed.

Since the 61-year-old New Zealander took charge in May 2023, England have won 33 consecutive matches—a world-record run that encompasses two Grand Slams, two WXV 1 titles, and that glorious September evening at Twickenham when they dispatched Canada in the World Cup final before 81,885 supporters, the largest crowd ever to witness a women’s rugby match.

Continuity and vision

Mitchell’s extension provides the continuity that elite sporting programmes crave. With the next World Cup scheduled for Australia in 2029, England now possess a coherent four-year plan under the guidance of a coach whose tactical acumen and man-management skills have proven unimpeachable.

“I am pleased to extend my time with the Red Roses,” Mitchell said. “This extension provides continuity across a World Cup cycle and enables 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 allowing for authenticity of individuals within the Red Roses.”

The former All Blacks head coach, who guided New Zealand through the 2003 World Cup with a win percentage exceeding 80 per cent, spoke of establishing “strong standards, clarity of purpose, greater connections and a culture that wins.” It is difficult to argue with the evidence.
England’s world ranking of 98.09 points represents the highest ever achieved by any side—men’s or women’s—in the history of the game. That statistic alone speaks to the relentless pursuit of excellence that Mitchell has instilled in his charges.

Scarratt steps into the coaches’ box

The contract extension arrives alongside a significant restructuring of the coaching staff. Lou Meadows, the attack coach who joined in the summer of 2023 and oversaw an attack that crossed for 215 tries in 28 matches, will depart with the RFU’s gratitude. In her place steps one of the most decorated players the women’s game has ever produced.

Emily Scarratt, who retired following the World Cup triumph as England’s all-time leading points-scorer with 754 in 119 caps, will assume the role of lead attack and backs coach for the upcoming Six Nations. The 35-year-old’s transition from the pitch to the coaches’ box represents a seamless passing of the torch—though Mitchell will retain overall responsibility for attack, with Scarratt’s appointment understood to be a trial arrangement for the Championship.

The elevation of Scarratt is likely to prove popular among the playing squad. Her tactical intelligence was evident throughout her illustrious career, and those who witnessed her serving as a de facto coach during the World Cup—dispensing wisdom during water breaks—will recognise a natural transition. She continues to work as an assistant coach at PWR club Loughborough Lightning, alongside her media commitments with TNT and her podcast, “The Good, the Scaz and the Rugby.”

Sarah Hunter, another former Red Roses captain who accumulated 141 caps before her retirement in 2023, continues as defence coach, while Louis Deacon remains in charge of the forwards. The coaching ticket represents the most experienced in the world game.

Unfinished business

Mitchell’s words about “unfinished opportunities” and building “hunger in dynasty” reveal a coaching philosophy that refuses to countenance complacency. Having conquered the world, lesser programmes might be forgiven for a moment of reflection. The Red Roses, it seems, have no such intention.

“This emerging group has the opportunity to continue leading our game globally,” Mitchell explained. “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.”

The phrase “raise our floor” is instructive. Mitchell is not merely concerned with producing peak performances in knockout fixtures; he is intent on ensuring that England’s minimum standard exceeds the maximum of their rivals. When the floor is already at a world-record height, the ambition is formidable indeed.

The road to Bordeaux

England’s immediate objectives are clear. On 11 April, they will host Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations. More than 50,000 tickets have already been sold for an occasion that promises to be the first of many sell-outs as the Red Roses return to action following their World Cup exertions.

The Championship introduces a new format this year, with a “Super Sunday” finale scheduled for 17 May. Should results unfold as anticipated, England will travel to Bordeaux to face France in what many expect to be a Grand Slam decider. The prospect of Mitchell’s side seeking an unprecedented eighth consecutive Six Nations title against Les Bleues in their own backyard provides a tantalising climax to the spring campaign.

Beyond the Six Nations, the new WXV Global Series awaits in the autumn. The competition has merged its top two tiers, freeing England to organise competitive fixtures against elite opposition. The Red Roses are expected to have three home matches and three in North America during September and October, with Canada and New Zealand among their likely opponents.

Lions on the horizon

Mitchell’s commitment to England does not preclude his involvement with the inaugural British and Irish Lions Women’s tour to his native New Zealand in September 2027. The coach has previously expressed his interest in leading the Lions against the All Blacks, and it is understood that the RFU will not stand in his way should he be offered the position.

Such an arrangement would present an intriguing opportunity for a member of the current England coaching staff to step up as interim head coach—Scarratt or Hunter, perhaps, gaining invaluable experience before Mitchell’s return. The Red Roses are expected to dominate the Lions squad, given their status as the world’s pre-eminent team, and a Mitchell-led Lions would carry familiar tactical principles into the Test series.

A legacy beyond silverware

Conor O’Shea, the RFU’s Executive Director of Performance Rugby, emphasised that Mitchell’s impact extends beyond the trophy cabinet. “We are all delighted that Mitch has committed to this next cycle,” O’Shea said. “If anything, he is more driven to see the Red Roses become better versions of themselves.”

O’Shea continued: “He has created a Red Roses culture that has delivered success on the biggest stage, and just as importantly, he is deeply committed to growing the team’s legacy whilst creating something that will last long beyond his coaching role.”

That final phrase carries particular weight. Mitchell is not merely building a team to win matches; he is constructing an infrastructure designed to produce sustained excellence. The pipeline from the under-21 programme—where senior coaches have been heavily involved in recent camps—to the full international side reflects a holistic approach to development.

The next generation

Eleven uncapped players participated in a 47-player senior training camp this month, evidence of Mitchell’s determination to expand England’s pool of elite talent. Among those pushing for Six Nations selection are wing Millie David, number eight Haineala Lutui, and centre Sarah Parry—names that may soon become as familiar as those currently leading the world’s number one side.

The professionalism and success of the senior programme have created a sizeable gap between the elite and the rest, both domestically and internationally. Yet Mitchell’s squad, laden with experience though it may be, retains significant youth. Most of the current group will still be available for the 2029 World Cup, suggesting that this remarkable run of dominance has considerable distance yet to travel.

A dynasty secured

In the aftermath of England’s World Cup triumph, speculation had mounted that Mitchell might view his task as complete. The New Zealander had, after all, delivered the trophy that had eluded his predecessors for eleven years. His name had been linked with Gloucester, who have struggled in the Gallagher Premiership, and with the All Blacks following Scott Robertson’s departure.

Instead, Mitchell has chosen to continue building something extraordinary. His contract extension, coupled with the appointments of Scarratt and the retention of Hunter and Deacon, provides the stability that championship programmes require. The Red Roses enter 2026 not as champions content to rest upon their achievements, but as a team hungry to establish a legacy that will endure for generations.

Gregor Townsend has turned to experience for Scotland’s 2026 Guinness Six Nations campaign, recalling France-based veterans Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry in a 40-strong squad heavily influenced by Glasgow Warriors’ impressive form.

Key Points:

• Jonny Gray (81 caps) and Dave Cherry (35 years old) recalled after missing summer and autumn campaigns
• 19 Glasgow Warriors players selected following club’s exceptional European form
• Sione Tuipulotu retains captaincy for campaign beginning in Rome on 7 February
• Edinburgh youngsters Liam McConnell (21) and Freddy Douglas (20) retain places after international debuts
• Zander Fagerson and Huw Jones return from injury as significant boosts
• Record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe included despite frustrating autumn campaign

The squad, comprising 23 forwards and 17 backs, features 19 players from the Scotstoun club following their stellar domestic and European performances, while Glasgow centre Sione Tuipulotu retains the captaincy for the tournament that begins with a trip to Rome on 7 February.

Key returnees and notable omissions

Gray, 81 caps, and Cherry, 35, represent the headline inclusions after neither featured in Scotland’s summer or autumn campaigns. The Bordeaux lock started four championship matches last year before dropping out of contention, while Cherry was first-choice hooker throughout the 2025 Six Nations but appeared to have fallen down the pecking order after joining French second-tier side Vannes.

“Jonny hasn’t had that many opportunities at Bordeaux, but he’s actually in really good form,” Townsend explained. “He’s playing with one of the best clubs in Europe. He’s looking fit and sharp, his work-rate is outstanding. He’s someone that has played well for us and we can rely on him if required during this championship.”

On Cherry’s recall, the head coach was emphatic about the hooker’s technical prowess: “Dave was a bit of a glue player for us around his set-piece and in attack and defence. He missed the summer tour with injury and we decided to look at different options in November. On form, Dave probably should have been in the November squad. We feel his experience is really important throughout the Six Nations.”

The most eyebrow-raising omission proved to be Glasgow’s uncapped hooker Gregor Hiddleston, who has been instrumental in the Warriors’ Champions Cup run that has seen them defeat Sale, Toulouse, Clermont and Saracens, all with bonus points. The 23-year-old has instead been named in the Scotland A squad to face Italy in Rieti on 6 February.

“Gregor’s not really been involved with us so far so he’s going to get an opportunity in the A game against Italy,” Townsend said. “That’ll be his first game at this level and we’re looking forward to seeing him playing that game.”

Also missing from the senior squad are Andy Onyeama-Christie, Cam Redpath, Alex Samuel and Cam Henderson, all of whom will feature for Scotland A.

Youth and experience blend

The squad does include nods to emerging talent, with Edinburgh back-rowers Liam McConnell, 21, and Freddy Douglas, 20, both retaining their places after making their international debuts. Douglas has particularly impressed with his breakdown work, with Townsend noting: “He’s got a super strength, which is winning the ball back in the tackle area. He’s been one of the best in the world right now at that.”

In the second row, Gray joins established campaigners Grant Gilchrist and Scott Cummings, with Max Williamson, Alex Craig and the versatile Gregor Brown completing the lock options. Cherry will compete for the hooker berth alongside Ewan Ashman, now Scotland’s top forward try-scorer, and George Turner, who reached 50 caps during the recent Quilter Nations Series.

The front row features three looseheads in Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland and Nathan McBeth, with tighthead specialist Zander Fagerson supported by Elliot Millar Mills and D’arcy Rae. Fagerson returns from injury alongside centre Huw Jones, providing significant boosts to Scotland’s options.

Back-row depth and backline firepower

The back-row selection offers considerable depth, with McConnell and Douglas joining Magnus Bradbury, Perpignan’s Jamie Ritchie, Bath’s Josh Bayliss and the Glasgow trio of Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey.

Behind the scrum, Finn Russell embarks on his 12th Six Nations campaign, supported by Adam Hastings and Fergus Burke at fly-half. Ben White and George Horne are the primary scrum-half options, while Jamie Dobie offers versatility having thrived on the wing for Glasgow but capable of covering nine.

Tuipulotu leads a centre contingent including Jones, Stafford McDowall and Northampton’s Rory Hutchinson, while the back-three selection features Blair Kinghorn, Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe and Ollie Smith as full-back options, alongside wings Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Kyle Steyn and the versatile Dobie.

Bristol’s Jordan has been included despite an injury scare in the Champions Cup clash with Bordeaux at the weekend, reflecting Townsend’s confidence in the utility back’s recovery.

Learning from autumn disappointments

Scotland’s squad announcement comes against the backdrop of consecutive fourth-place Six Nations finishes and a disappointing autumn series that included narrow defeats to New Zealand and Argentina.

“We had opportunities to beat New Zealand, which would have been the first time in our history,” Townsend reflected. “We’re really disappointed we didn’t take those opportunities. But I believe going through that experience means that if we find ourselves in that situation again, we’ll be much better prepared.”

The head coach dismissed suggestions that mounting scrutiny after recent results had increased pressure on his position: “I don’t really think in those terms. I think I’m so privileged to be going into another Six Nations. I can’t wait to be working with the players again. When I see the team, I see the players in really good form, it excites me for what’s coming up ahead.”

Condensed schedule and squad rotation

The 2026 championship features a more condensed format, with teams playing three consecutive weekends before a single fallow week, presenting both challenges and opportunities for squad management.

“It’s a more condensed tournament,” Townsend noted. “Teams will definitely look at using their squad more to play three Test matches on the bounce. Italy away is a cracking start — what a venue and what a place to visit. Then you’re straight into England at home and Wales away.”

He continued: “I’m sure we’ll be rotating our squad at some point. Whether that means within our 23 and changing things up or bringing people out with your 23. You just never know about injuries. They’re surely going to come when you play three Test matches in a row.”

Townsend suggested the format might actually benefit Scotland and Italy: “In the past there were two fallow weeks and teams trained during those fallow weeks, but we’ve not been able to do that because we’ve had a lot of players playing in England and France and they’ve been going back to play for their clubs. Only having one week, I don’t think many teams will be training. They’ll be using that as a recovery week. Most teams are back on a level playing field for this championship.”

Glasgow’s golden generation

The inclusion of 19 Glasgow players reflects the club’s exceptional form both domestically and in Europe, where they topped the Champions Cup knockout stage seedings.

“They’ve been in great form,” Townsend enthused. “They’ve played at a really high level, particularly in Europe, with some cracking atmospheres. You can see the cohesion and connectedness of that group and they’ve been rewarded for both individual performances and how they’re playing as a team.”

Van der Merwe’s redemption arc

Record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe endured a frustrating autumn, including being dropped from the starting XV for the key Tests against New Zealand and Argentina. The 30-year-old’s injury problems have hampered his form, but Townsend remains optimistic about his prospects.

“Probably more concerning is that he’s had a few injuries,” the coach admitted. “He’s not really had a run of games. I thought his last game was really good against Gloucester. He was battling injury in that game too. He’s finding his form and he just needs to get some more games. I believe he’s going to be fit this week, which is a boost.”

The bigger picture

With several players aged 30 or over in the squad, questions have been raised about Scotland’s age profile. Townsend was quick to defend his selection philosophy: “We know the opportunity is there for us. The opportunity might not be there in a year’s time or two years’ time. We’ve got an experienced squad, I don’t think it’s an old squad. Players that are 30 or older might have another two or three championships.”

He added: “We’ve got players in really good form and players coming back from injury that we missed in November like Zander Fagerson and Huw Jones. These are players that have played for the Lions so it’s definitely a boost.”

After opening in Rome, Scotland host England at Murrayfield on 14 February before travelling to Cardiff a week later. Following the fallow week, France visit Edinburgh on 7 March, with the championship concluding in Dublin on 14 March.

With third place in 2023 and 2018 representing Scotland’s best showings under Townsend’s stewardship, the head coach and his experienced squad know that expectations remain high for a nation desperate to translate undoubted talent into tangible success at the championship’s elite level.

Rugby union’s most powerful nations have dealt a potentially fatal blow to the proposed R360 breakaway competition, issuing an unprecedented joint statement declaring that any player who joins the rebel league will be barred from international selection.

In a rare show of unity, the unions of England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have come together to warn players to exercise “extreme caution” before signing with the franchise competition fronted by 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall.

The statement, released on Tuesday evening, represents the most significant coordinated action by rugby’s governing bodies in the professional era and threatens to undermine R360’s entire business model, which had promised players they could combine participation in the new league with their international careers.

“As a group of national rugby unions, we are urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition,” the statement read. “We all welcome new investment and innovation in rugby, and support ideas that can help the game evolve and reach new audiences, but any new competition must strengthen the sport as a whole, not fragment or weaken it.”

The unions were scathing in their assessment of R360’s plans, claiming the competition “appears designed to generate profits and return them to a very small elite, potentially hollowing out the investment that national unions and existing leagues make in community rugby, player development and participation pathways.”

Concerns over player welfare and transparency

Central to the unions’ opposition is R360’s alleged failure to engage meaningfully with rugby’s established structures. The statement highlighted a litany of unanswered questions surrounding the competition’s operational framework.

“R360 has given us no indication as to how it plans to manage player welfare, how players would fulfil their aspirations of representing their countries, and how the competition would coexist with the international and domestic calendars so painstakingly negotiated in recent years for both our men’s and women’s games,” the unions declared.

The lack of transparency extends to R360’s business model itself, with the statement noting: “Those behind the proposed competition have not engaged with or met all unions to explain and better understand their business and operating model.”

The Welsh Rugby Union, while not a formal signatory due to ongoing consultation over the future structure of professional rugby in Wales, expressed support for the statement and reserved the right not to select R360 players for international duty. Argentina were the only major Rugby Championship nation not to sign, though their stance remains unclear.

R360’s ambitious vision

The R360 competition, which stands for “Rugby 360 degrees,” is planning to launch in October 2026 with eight men’s franchises and four women’s teams competing in a condensed season format across major cities worldwide, including London, Cape Town, Dubai, Miami, Boston, Tokyo and Lisbon.

Organisers claim to have secured pre-contract agreements with close to 200 male players and have reportedly made lucrative offers to stars from England’s World Cup-winning Red Roses squad. The competition promises top players contracts worth up to £1.5 million annually for a maximum of 17 matches per season – significantly fewer than the 25-30 fixtures elite players currently face.

The league has also approached high-profile rugby league players from Australia’s NRL, with Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas reportedly seeking offers of at least $3 million per season. Other NRL targets are believed to include Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster and Zac Lomax.

Battle lines drawn

R360 responded swiftly to the unions’ statement, framing their position as player-centric and progressive. “Our philosophy is clear – if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?” an R360 spokesperson said.

The organisation insisted that player welfare was “one of the key reasons for creating our global series, which will greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally.”
R360 also claimed to want “to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar,” stating that the series was “designed with bespoke schedules for men’s and women’s teams” and that contracts would include release clauses for international matches.

“It’s not always easy to embrace new opportunities but, as we’ve seen throughout history, it’s essential for any sport to grow,” the R360 statement added. “So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game.”
The organisation said it had submitted more than 120 pages of documentation to World Rugby outlining detailed plans on competition regulations, player welfare measures and anti-doping policy, and confirmed it would seek World Rugby Council sanctioning next summer as planned.
Echoes of rugby league’s Super League split

The standoff evokes memories of rugby league’s devastating Super League war in 1997, which split the sport and created lasting divisions. More recently, golf’s LIV tour, backed by Saudi Arabian investment, has created similar fault lines in that sport.

The International Rugby Players Association had already urged caution last week, telling members to seek legal advice before signing any contracts with R360, noting that “detailed information about the competition remains outstanding and the competition does not currently have World Rugby regulatory approval.”

The unions’ statement emphasised the existential threat they believe R360 poses to rugby’s ecosystem: “International rugby and our major competitions remain the financial and cultural engine that sustains every level of the game – from grassroots participation to elite performance. Undermining that ecosystem could be enormously harmful to the health of our sport.”

High stakes for players

The selection ban places players in an extraordinarily difficult position, particularly those approaching the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. While R360’s financial packages are undeniably attractive – especially for women players whose RFU contracts are currently capped at around £50,000 annually – the prospect of sacrificing international careers just a year before a home World Cup for Australia-based players, or any World Cup for others, represents a significant deterrent.

The Rugby Football Union has made clear that its existing selection policy – which requires England men’s players to be contracted to Premiership clubs – will now extend to women players as well, reflecting its £15 million annual investment in building sustainability in the professional women’s game.

However, R360 may find more willing recruits among fringe international players, those whose Test careers are winding down, or stars from nations not included in the ban, such as Argentina, Fiji, Tonga, Georgia and Samoa.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed it was not aware of any All Blacks or Black Ferns who have signed agreements with R360, though the organisation’s documentation, seen by media outlets, suggests players are willing to sign “whether we are sanctioned or not and whether they will be selected for international rugby or not.”

An uncertain future

Whether R360 can proceed without World Rugby sanctioning and with the world’s best players effectively unavailable remains to be seen. The competition would need to compensate players far more generously to persuade them to abandon international ambitions, which could strain the financial model. Host cities may also reconsider their involvement if the product cannot deliver the star power initially promised.

For now, rugby union’s establishment has drawn a clear line in the sand. In an era often characterised by fractious relationships between unions, leagues and player bodies, this coordinated response represents an unusually unified front. Whether it proves sufficient to derail R360’s ambitious plans entirely, or merely forces the competition to target a different tier of player, will become clearer in the coming months as the proposed October 2026 launch date approaches.