Two of rugby’s most experienced coaches have delivered a scathing verdict on World Rugby’s annual Shape of the Game summit, with Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie questioning the governing body’s capacity to make decisions and warning that the sport risks falling behind its rivals as a result.

The Shape of the Game is World Rugby’s annual gathering of global rugby leaders — union and competition chief executives, players, coaches, referees and commercial experts — convened to consider the laws, officiating philosophy and future direction of the sport. This year’s edition arrived amid unusual levels of pre-summit noise. Reports had circulated that Australia and New Zealand were pushing proposals to further depower the scrum, while France and South Africa had reportedly aligned in opposition. Rassie Erasmus had devoted a three-part podcast series on his Rassie+ platform to making the public case for protecting the scrum and maul as genuine contests. The expectation of a significant showdown drew considerable attention — only for World Rugby to emerge with a statement confirming no changes to the laws and a pivot towards fan experience and commercial presentation.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The feedback from around the world is that the game on the field is broadly in a positive place. The message this week is to focus on better explaining, selling and celebrating our sport in what is an ever more competitive environment.

Speaking on the latest episode of Rugby Unity, recorded in the immediate aftermath of this week’s London summit, Jones was unsparing. “If you watch rugby and you think it’s in good health, then you’re probably looking at the wrong things,” he said. World Rugby’s official statement declared that “the on-field product is in a strong, positive place” and confirmed there would be no changes to the laws of the game — a conclusion that Jones attributed entirely to the structural dysfunction of the meeting itself.

“There were 200 people. 200. It’s a joke. It’s a joke,” he said. “The game needs to get sorted out. We can all see that. But because they had so many people in the room, they couldn’t come to a decision on anything. So they all hold hands at the end, have a gin and tonic and say it’s all good.”

McKenzie was equally dismissive of the process, noting that the summit’s central conclusion — a pivot towards commercial and fan-experience priorities — fell outside World Rugby’s core purpose entirely. “The fact that they just flipped it across to commercial and fan stuff, that’s not even their charter,” he said. “They should be talking about the actual specifics of the game and can we make it better.” His verdict on the statement itself was equally terse: “You could have probably written that and saved the 200 flights and the 200 hotel rooms. The game’s in good shape. Of course they’re going to say that — otherwise they look like they’re doing a bad job.”

The frustration from both men is rooted not in abstract disappointment but in a clear sense of what concrete problems remain unaddressed. McKenzie argued that years of regulatory intervention have stripped the scrum of its technical identity, turning what was once a genuine contest of skill and craft into a simple power confrontation managed by the referee. “Back in the day, the contest was between the front rows. The hooker had to strike for the ball, the loose head had to keep the scrum up, the tight end trying to take it as low as possible,” he said. “All of those things have been taken out of the game. All of those front row activities. There was actual skill and strength and position.” Today, McKenzie argued, those individual craft elements have been regulated out of existence in the name of safety and referee control: “All the skills have been taken out of it. It’s just a straight pushing contest controlled by the referee.”

That analysis sits uncomfortably alongside a summit communiqué that described the on-field product as broadly positive and called for better marketing of the existing game rather than any review of what the existing game actually is. It is also relevant context for the running pre-summit debate about proposals — ultimately shelved — to further depower the scrum in some competitions. Both Jones and McKenzie had, in last week’s preview episode, rejected any such move outright. The summit’s “no changes” verdict was therefore welcomed on that narrow front, but neither man was prepared to treat inaction as a success.

The deeper critique from both coaches concerned governance structure rather than individual intent. Pembroke noted that the RFU has recently begun its own reform process, voting to reduce its National Council from 62 members to 44 by 2029 and stripping it of the power to pass regulation. McKenzie drew the obvious parallel. “Other sports just have a commission and they just make decisions and get on with it,” he said. “No business with shareholders runs like rugby union does, which is probably why we’re broke.” Jones agreed, identifying the June meeting of World Rugby’s 53-member council as the next crucial moment: “They’ve got to vote themselves out of business. They have to.” His summary of why they likely won’t was characteristically blunt: “Turkeys don’t vote for Christmas.”

McKenzie also raised the absence of meaningful transparency around the summit itself, questioning why the presentations could not have been broadcast publicly — particularly given that World Rugby’s own stated priority is now fan engagement. “Open the windows, let the light in,” he said, noting that the fan representative body United Rugby Fans, run by Mark Philpot, had not been invited to a summit ostensibly focused on the fan experience.

The pair’s conclusion was that, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup now 18 months away, the window for meaningful structural reform before the game’s flagship tournament has effectively closed. “It’s gone,” Jones said flatly. “They can’t move fast enough to do anything now prior to the World Cup. So we’ll just wait and see. And I’m sure we’ll be talking come World Cup time about problems in the game that could have been resolved now.”

McKenzie’s closing thought distilled the frustration neatly. “I’m more interested in getting more 15-on-15 time. That’s all I’m saying. The rest of it is subtle, and a lot of the laws are already there — it’s just a question of whether they want to enforce them.”

Eddie Jones and Ewen McKenzie were speaking on Rugby Unity, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Steve Borthwick has confirmed a heavily patched backline for England’s penultimate Six Nations fixture against Italy in Rome on Saturday, with centre Ollie Lawrence and first-choice scrum-half Alex Mitchell both ruled out of the trip to the Stadio Olimpico.

Lawrence, who had returned to the squad for round three only to last barely an hour of England’s 42–21 defeat to Ireland at Twickenham, will remain at Bath for further rehabilitation on the persistent knee problem that has hampered his entire championship campaign. The 26-year-old received an injection on the affected joint during the week but was deemed insufficiently recovered to travel, leaving Borthwick without his first-choice outside centre for a fourth time in five rounds.

Mitchell’s absence is no less significant. The Northampton Saints scrum-half lasted just 24 minutes of the Ireland defeat before limping off with a hamstring injury, and has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Jack van Poortvliet is expected to start at nine in Rome, with Raffi Quirke — called up as cover following the injury — providing back-up from the bench.

Borthwick confirmed an updated 36-man squad on Friday, which also includes back-row recalls for Jack Kenningham and prop George Kloska, while five players named in the original pre-tournament group — Lawrence, Mitchell, along with Fin Baxter, Ben Curry and Fin Smith — were sent to Girona for specialist rehabilitation.

With Lawrence sidelined, Tommy Freeman is the frontrunner to move infield from his customary wing position to outside centre, a role he has not occupied at international level. Henry Slade provides an alternative option should Borthwick opt for a more natural 13.

England travel to Rome having lost two consecutive matches — the Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh and the record 42–21 reverse against Ireland — with their title hopes all but extinguished. Yet with France still on course for a Grand Slam and a meeting between the sides looming on Super Saturday (14 March), the Italy fixture carries genuine importance as a platform on which to rebuild momentum and confidence.

For Italy, the match represents a significant opportunity of their own. Gonzalo Quesada’s side have impressed throughout this campaign — beating Scotland in the opener and pushing Ireland close in Dublin — but will be without their talisman Ange Capuozzo, who was ruled out for the rest of the tournament on Tuesday with a sprained acromioclavicular joint sustained in the 33–8 defeat to France in Lille last weekend. It was only Capuozzo’s first appearance of the championship after he had been sidelined by a broken finger since late December.

With two depleted backlines set to meet in Rome, Saturday’s fixture has taken on an unusual complexion. England will need their forwards to set a platform, and will be hoping the likes of Freeman and whoever fills the midfield alongside him can provide enough creativity to secure a result that will provide some momentum ahead of Super Saturday.

Italy v England kicks off at 4.40pm GMT on Saturday, 7 March.

England squad

Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Arthur Clark, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Trevor Davison, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Jack Kenningham, Emmanuel Iyogun, George Kloska, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Bevan Rodd, Sam Underhill

Backs: Henry Arundell, Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Cadan Murley, Raffi Quirke, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Fin Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet

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.