Over 5.9 million people watched England lift their first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 11 years, and their first one on home turf. Amid the clips of cheering players and fans, the camera sought out John Mitchell, the head coach of the Red Roses, who was stood on the sidelines when the whistle blew with tears in his eyes - they had done it.
Mitchell’s efforts were further rewarded during the prize ceremony, where alongside the girls being crowned World Champions, he was announced as Coach of the Year 2025.
The Kiwi has headed up the English women’s set up since 2023, leading them through the two grand-slam Six Nations campaigns,
The coach has previously coached defence for the Japanese men’s team and headed up the American Eagles. His time with the Red Roses isn’t the first time that he has been involved with an English side, as he was the defence coach for the men’s team during their sensational World Cup campaign in 2019, where they reached the final.
However, the Red Roses’ victory in Twickenham is the first World Cup victory that Mitchell has enjoyed - and that pride must only taste sweeter with this personal recognition.
The coach was characteristically brusque and humble when asked about his reaction to the award, saying “It's not really so much about me. I'm the old bugger that's been going for 30 years. You get some and you don't get some”.
“I am so pleased that these girls have realised their potential. This has been a very good team for a long time, but I think they deserve to be termed a great side today. They're a phenomenal group”.
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