Simon Middleton to leave England coaching role after Six Nations

England women’s head coach Simon Middleton will LEAVE his role at the end of the Six Nations – three months after suffering World Cup final heartbreak against New Zealand

• The RFU have confirmed that Simon Middleton will step down as England boss
• He led the Red Roses on a 30-match unbeaten run before the World Cup final
• Middleton, 57, narrowly missed out on the crown, losing 34-31 to New Zealand 

England women’s head coach Simon Middleton will step down from his role at the end of this year’s Six Nations, the RFU has confirmed.

Middleton, 57, suffered World Cup final heartbreak last year when his England team were denied global glory by New Zealand after recording a 30-match unbeaten run to that point.

His future post that tournament had been unclear, but after two final defeats in 2017 and 2022, Middleton will move on later this year.

Middleton joined the RFU in 2014 and in his time in charge of England’s women’s side, he has made the Red Roses the dominant force in the female game.

During his tenure to date, he has guided England to five Six Nations titles and four grand slams and was awarded an MBE for services to rugby in 2021.

Middleton’s last campaign in charge will be this year’s Six Nations. Forwards coach Louis Deacon and backs coach Scott Bemand will also remain in their roles for the Championship.

England women’s head coach Simon Middleton will step down at the end of the Six Nations

The Red Roses suffered a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in November’s World Cup final

Middleton said: ‘Representing England in a coaching or playing capacity must be the pinnacle of any sporting career.

‘I can’t put into words how proud and fortunate I’ve been to be able to do this for the last nine years. Outside of my family, rugby has been my life, giving me purpose, great memories, and even greater friends. Growing up as a lad from Knottingley in Yorkshire, I was inspired by the likes of Sir Bill Beaumont, Will Carling and the great England sides of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

‘To find myself so heavily involved with England in the game I love was a dream come true.

‘This job has created a life I’d only ever dreamt of. Hopefully, what we have managed to achieve reflects well. It means the world to me to represent my country and the RFU.

‘With whatever I do, I always work as hard as I can and I can honestly say I’ve never done anything without giving my best. It’s not always been good enough but I have always given my all.

‘During this tenure, I have worked with incredible players and staff and I will miss the daily interactions. I would like to say a huge thank you for their efforts and everything they have done to support the programme and contribute to our success.

‘I’ve seen a lot of change over the nine years I’ve been involved and the development of the women’s game has been remarkable.

‘I am privileged to have been able to influence the English game which even now seems surreal.’

The 57-year-old head coach described leading England as the ‘pinnacle’ of his sporting career

He admitted that missing out on the World Cup to New Zealand was a ‘regret’ during his tenure

RFU director of performance Conor O’Shea has confirmed the succession planning to find Middleton’s successor will now begin immediately.

English rugby’s governing body will now be under pressure to appoint a female head coach ahead of them hosting the next Women’s World Cup in 2025.

‘There have been great memories built around success and great memories built around defeat,’ said Middleton.

‘Do I regret not signing off winning the World Cup? Yes for sure, but I know we can all live with that because we could not have worked harder or given more.

‘Sometimes that’s just not quite enough and it wasn’t on the day. I know last year’s World Cup campaign was and continues to be celebrated and quite rightly so.

‘The bravery and commitment of the players was exceptional and to be admired. They are an excellent group of players, but more importantly amazing people and I know they will continue to be successful.

‘I know there is a robust process to get the right person to take over and I am naturally 100 per cent committed until we get to that point. This is definitely the right time for someone to take over at the helm with new ideas and a different voice for players to get inspired by.

‘Now our attentions turn to being able to perform as well as we can with the goal of winning the Six Nations. It’s a really exciting tournament, culminating in a match against France at Twickenham in front of a huge crowd which will be an inspiring and incredible occasion for everyone. It’s a crucial tournament in the build-up to 2025 and I cannot wait to be back with the group.’

The Red Roses recorded a 30-game unbeaten run before suffering defeat against New Zealand

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