Could England's Coach Mitchell Step into the 2027 Women's Lions Role?
Published: 2025-09-28 17:25:22 | Category: sport
John Mitchell, head coach of the England women's rugby team, has expressed interest in leading the first women's British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2027. Following a stunning victory over Canada in the World Cup final, Mitchell's comments come as he seeks to lay the groundwork for the next World Cup cycle while considering his future beyond 2026.
Last updated: 01 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways
- England women's rugby team won their first World Cup since 2014, defeating Canada 33-13.
- John Mitchell is open to coaching the women's Lions for their 2027 tour to New Zealand.
- The World Cup final drew a record women's crowd of 81,885 at Twickenham.
- Mitchell's current contract runs until June 2026, with future plans still uncertain.
- The tournament saw a peak television audience of 5.8 million viewers in the UK.
England's Historic World Cup Victory
In a thrilling final on Saturday, England’s women’s rugby team showcased their prowess by defeating Canada 33-13, securing their first Rugby World Cup title since 2014. The match, held at Twickenham Stadium, not only marked a significant achievement for the team but also set records for women's rugby attendance, with 81,885 fans in the stands.
Mitchell's Coaching Ambitions
John Mitchell, who took over as head coach in 2023, is currently on a remarkable 33-game winning streak. He stated that he would consider the opportunity to coach the women's Lions during their historic tour in 2027. Reflecting on the significance of the Lions, he recalled meeting the 1977 Lions as a schoolboy and how they have been an integral part of his life. If the opportunity presents itself, he would be keen to explore it, but he emphasised the importance of focusing on the current World Cup cycle first.
The Path Ahead: Future of Women's Rugby
With Mitchell’s contract set to end in June 2026, questions about his future remain. He refrained from confirming whether the upcoming Women's Six Nations would be his last tournament in charge, stating, “It’s too early to discuss.” Currently, his priority is to build a strong foundation for the next World Cup cycle, which will culminate in Australia in 2029.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Attendance
The World Cup final not only achieved a record crowd but also garnered the title of the most-watched women's rugby match on UK television, with a peak audience of 5.8 million viewers. The tournament overall sold 440,000 tickets, significantly more than the previous Women's Rugby World Cup held three years prior.
Mitchell's Strategy for Future Success
As he continues to lead the Red Roses, Mitchell is focused on understanding the players’ motivations and goals for the upcoming cycle. He plans to conduct a “road trip” in January to connect with the players and gauge their aspirations. This approach aims to identify which players will be invested in for future tournaments, ensuring that the team remains competitive on a global scale.
Upcoming Matches and Potential Records
England’s next match is scheduled for 11 April against Ireland in the Six Nations, which presents a chance to surpass the Women's Six Nations attendance record of 58,498, set in 2023. Additionally, they will face Wales in Bristol on 25 April, allowing the team to build on the momentum gained from their World Cup victory.
Changes in the Women's Global Rugby Calendar
World Rugby has announced alterations to the women's global calendar, which will allow the top 12 teams to select their home and away fixtures for autumn matches. This change aims to enhance the growth and visibility of women's rugby, ensuring that the excitement generated during the World Cup continues in the intervening years.
Mitchell's Vision for the Future
Mitchell is keenly aware of the need to sustain the interest generated by the recent World Cup. He stated, “We can’t just have this fantastic World Cup that’s captured such huge audiences and not see that again in the four years until Australia.” His commitment to the sport is evident as he looks to build on the success and ensure that women's rugby continues to thrive.
Conclusion: The Future of Women's Rugby
As John Mitchell navigates his current role and contemplates future opportunities, the trajectory of women's rugby in England appears bright. With a solid foundation being built and a focus on the next generation of players, the potential for continued success is significant. The upcoming years will be crucial in determining how the sport evolves and captures the hearts of fans worldwide.
How will the success of the England women's rugby team influence the future of the sport? With the first women's Lions tour on the horizon, the next few years will undoubtedly shape the landscape of women's rugby in the UK and beyond. #WomensRugby #JohnMitchell #RugbyWorldCup
FAQs
What is John Mitchell's current role?
John Mitchell is the head coach of the England women's rugby team, having taken over in 2023 and leading the team to a Rugby World Cup victory.
When is the first women's British and Irish Lions tour scheduled?
The first women's British and Irish Lions tour is set for 2027, with John Mitchell expressing interest in coaching the team.
How many games did England's women's team win in a row?
As of now, England's women's rugby team, under John Mitchell, is on a record 33-game winning streak.
What were the viewing figures for the World Cup final?
The World Cup final achieved a peak television audience of 5.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched women's rugby match on UK television.
What changes have been made to the women's global rugby calendar?
World Rugby has announced that the top 12 teams will have the ability to select their home and away fixtures for autumn matches, aiming to enhance the sport's visibility and growth.
