Mitchell, open to coaching the women’s Lions after success with England

John Mitchell has expressed his interest in coaching the British & Irish Lions women’s team on their tour of New Zealand, after having guided the Red Roses to victory in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Currently, Mitchell is the leading candidate to lead the tourists on their first three-match test tour of New Zealand in 2027. However, he will first need to decide whether to extend his contract with the RFU. The New Zealand coach has a contract with the RFU until the end of the 2026 Six Nations tournament. He took over as head coach of the England women’s team in 2023, and the Red Roses have won every match during his tenure, including the victory in the World Cup final on Saturday against Canada. While celebrations are still ongoing, Mitchell will take some time before deciding on his next step.

I’m still part of the next chapter, we have the Six Nations in April. I also have a lot of time to think about it.

John Mitchell

Mitchell mentioned that he will take a short break and then travel in November to set new goals. In January, he may take another trip to evaluate everyone’s goals and ensure that he invests in the right people for the future. He also added that being associated with these girls is a great honor, as they are driven people who have changed their lives and their way of thinking. He stressed that, while a trophy and a medal are important, the quality of the people he works with is the most valuable.

On the horizon are also the Lions, with the women’s team touring for the first time in 2027. This would give Mitchell the opportunity to coach against the country where he was born and become the first coach of the women’s Lions.

The Lions are a great honor. It will be the first time there will be female Lions.

John Mitchell

Mitchell remembers meeting the 1977 Lions in high school and how they have always been a part of his life. He highlights their importance in rugby and states that, if the opportunity to coach the Lions arose, he would definitely consider it. However, he also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the foundations of the next cycle are well established.