Middleton to step down following Women’s Six Nations
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) can confirm Red Roses head coach Simon Middleton has decided to step down from his role after the conclusion of the 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations.
The 57-year-old guided England to a record-breaking 30-match winning run and two Rugby World Cup finals in 2017 and 2022.
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Middleton joined the RFU in 2014 and led England Women Sevens on the World Series, as well as taking a role as assistant coach for the 2014 Rugby World Cup in France where England were crowned champions.
In 2015 he became Red Roses head coach initially in a joint role with sevens, and led Team GB Women Sevens at Rio 2016, where the team finished fourth. During his tenure, he has guided England to five Six Nations titles, including four Grand Slams.
Middleton was awarded an MBE for services to rugby in 2021, and was the first women's coach to be named World Rugby Coach of the Year the same year. He will take charge of the team for this year’s Six Nations. Forwards coach Louis Deacon and backs coach Scott Bemand will also remain in their roles for the Six Nations.
"Representing England in a coaching or playing capacity must be the pinnacle of any sporting career, and I can’t put into words how proud and fortunate I’ve been to be able to do this for the last nine years," said Middleton.
"Outside of my family, rugby has been my life, giving me purpose, direction, great memories, and even greater friends. Growing up as a lad from Knottingley in Yorkshire I was inspired by the likes of Sir Bill Beaumont, Will Carling and the great England sides of the 70s, 80s and 90s, so to find myself so heavily involved with England in the game I love was a dream come true.
"During this tenure, I have worked with incredible players and staff and I will miss the daily interactions. I would like to say a huge thank you for their efforts and everything they have done to support the programme and contribute to our success.
"I’ve seen a lot change over the nine years I’ve been involved and the development of the women’s game has been remarkable. I am privileged to have been able to influence the English game which even now seems surreal.
"Now our attentions turn to being able to perform as well as we can with the goal of winning the Six Nations. It’s a really exciting tournament, culminating in a match against France at Twickenham in front of a huge crowd which will be an inspiring and incredible occasion for everyone. It’s a crucial tournament in the build-up to 2025 and I cannot wait to be back with the group.”
RFU Performance Director Conor O’Shea added: "Simon and I have been discussing his future plans for a period of time since the World Cup in New Zealand and I completely understand and support his decision.
"I know how motivated Simon is to finish his time with the Red Roses on a high with a successful TikTok Women’s Six Nations campaign. He has achieved more than most coaches ever do but for me, it’s the manner he has conducted himself as a person and his commitment to making the Red Roses the best they can be that stands out above the wins and the awards.
"In terms of a successor, we have been working on our coach succession planning processes over the past 18 months and we will initiate that process immediately with a view to announcing Simon’s replacement after this year’s Six Nations."
