John Mitchell, after guiding the Red Roses to victory in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, has expressed his interest in coaching the British & Irish Lions women’s team on their tour of New Zealand.
Mitchell, who is currently the favorite to lead the tourists on their first three-test tour of New Zealand in 2027, will first have to decide whether to extend his contract with the RFU, which ends at the conclusion of the 2026 Six Nations.
The New Zealander coach took over as head coach of the England women’s team in 2023 and since then, the Red Roses have won every match under his direction, including the triumph in the World Cup final on Saturday against Canada.
Even in the midst of the celebrations, Mitchell will take some time to reflect on his next step.
I’m still part of the next chapter, we have a Six Nations in April. I have a lot of time to think about it too.
John MitchellMitchell plans to take a break and then travel in November to set new goals. In January, he will make another visit to assess everyone’s goals and ensure he invests in the right people for the future.
The coach highlighted the special connection with his team.
Being associated with these girls, they are driven, they have changed my life, they have also changed my way of thinking. All those things are added bonuses. A trophy is one thing, a medal is another, but in reality the quality of the people you work with is the most important thing.
John Mitchell
John Mitchell aún no ha perdido un partido como entrenador de Inglaterra.The Lions project is also on their radar, with the women’s team touring for the first time in 2027. This would give Mitchell the opportunity to coach against the country where she was born and become the first coach of the women’s Lions.
The Lions are a great honor. They will also be the first female Lions.
John MitchellMitchell recalls his encounter with the 1977 Lions as a child and the impact they have had on rugby.
If that were to happen, it’s definitely something I would consider. It’s all part of the plan. But the most important thing is to make sure the foundations of the next cycle are in the right place.
