Meadows appointed England U20 Women head coach
Lou Meadows has been appointed England U20 Women head coach, a role instrumental to the future success of the women’s game, which enters a new era ahead of a home Rugby World Cup in 2025.
Meadows re-joins England Rugby, following an extensive search and consultation process, from Ealing Trailfinders where she was the Performance Manager of Women's Rugby.
A former teacher and Development Officer with the RFU, Meadows was also the first-ever female head coach of an England men’s aspirational side when she coached England Counties U20s. As a player, she represented Wasps and Saracens.
"I’m delighted and immensely proud to be the new head coach of England Women U20s, a role which helps shape the incredible talent we have coming through our pathways," she said.
"Holding this position is a huge responsibility as we work hard to capitalise on the success of and interest in the 2021 Rugby World Cup, and so it will be my priority to develop and prepare as many young women as possible to be part of future Red Roses squads, especially leading into a home tournament in 2025.
Head of Performance Pathways and Programmes, Donald Barrell added: "We are very excited to have Lou as our new head coach for the England Women U20s.
"There was a very high standard of applications for the role, with interest from coaches across England but with Lou’s innate understanding of the game and experiences within English rugby, as well as her expertise in the development of young people, she was the standout candidate.
“We continue to make significant investments in our England Rugby pathways programmes. Joining Lou will be the first-ever full time strength and conditioning coach for the women’s U20 team, alongside new physiotherapy and psychology provisions."
