England’s record points-scorer Emily Scarratt has joined the Red Roses coaching team on a permanent basis. After serving as an interim lead attack and backs coach during the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, Scarratt will now transition into a full-time role under head coach John Mitchell through the 2029 World Cup cycle.
Permanent Appointment Following Six Nations Success
The appointment marks a significant shift for Scarratt, who retired from playing after the World Cup win. Following her playing career, she initially moved into coaching with Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) side Loughborough Lightning. Her transition to the international stage began earlier this year when she joined John Mitchell’s staff on an interim basis for the 2026 Women’s Six Nations campaign.
Following England clinching their eighth successive Women’s Six Nations title in May, the decision was made to bring Scarratt into the fold permanently. She will now depart her assistant coaching role at Loughborough Lightning, where she spent eight years as both a player and coach. According to Planet Rugby, this full-time commitment will see her work with the Red Roses through the next World Cup cycle, concluding in 2029.
“The Six Nations was challenging but hugely rewarding in equal measure. I’d spent so many years in the Red Roses environment as a player, so stepping into a coaching role in the same setting was a new experience, and, at times, slightly unnerving.”
Emily Scarratt, lead attack and backs coach
Impact on the England Attack
Scarratt’s influence on the team’s offensive performance was evident during her interim period. Statistical comparisons show that the Red Roses’ attack scored 27 more points during the 2026 Six Nations than they did in the 2025 tournament. As reported by the BBC, her appointment follows the departure of former England attack coach Lou Meadows, who helped the team secure a Rugby World Cup victory at Allianz Stadium last September.
Mitchell praised the transition, noting that Scarratt has already established herself as a vital member of the team culture. Emily has already made a significant impact on our environment in a coaching capacity, and during the Six Nations she proved to be a huge asset with the insight, calmness and experience she brings every day,
Mitchell said. He added that Scarratt possesses a brilliant coaching brain
and a deep commitment to evolving the team’s style of play.
Long-Term Vision for the Red Roses
The move aligns with a broader period of stability for the England program. Head coach John Mitchell has also extended his own terms to remain with the Red Roses through to the 2029 World Cup. Mitchell stated that the extension provides the necessary continuity for a long-term vision, allowing the program to maintain its position as a global leader in women’s rugby.
For Scarratt, the move represents a commitment to the team’s future development.
“There’s a huge amount of ambition within this team, and I’m proud to be part of the journey as we continue to grow and build towards the future.”
Emily Scarratt, lead attack and backs coach
Navigating Post-Retirement Roles
While Scarratt is now a full-time member of the England coaching staff, her professional life remains multifaceted. Since retiring from international play, she has maintained a high profile through media work, including broadcasting roles with TNT and her participation in the The Good, the Scaz and the Rugby
podcast.
As the team looks toward the next World Cup cycle, the coaching staff faces the task of integrating an emerging generation of talent. With her dual focus on player development and tactical evolution, Scarratt is now firmly positioned to shape the next chapter of the Red Roses’ history.
Worth a look
