The England head coach, Simon Middleton, is leaving his post at the end of the Women’s Six Nations campaign, with regret at missing out on the World Cup but pride at transforming the landscape of the game for female players. The 57-year-old took the Red Roses to the Women’s World Cup final in 2017 and 2022, but they were twice foiled by New Zealand.
England built a record-breaking 30-match winning run before they were edged out by the Black Ferns 34-31 in Auckland three months ago. After taking charge in 2015, Middleton guided England to five Six Nations titles, including four grand slams, but feels the time is right for him to leave.
