Red Roses set to bolster coaching staff with scrum guru after Shaun Edwards addition
Exclusive: Matt Ferguson will join John Mitchell’s staff for a second stint with England’s women
John Mitchell has expanded his England women's rugby coaching staff with the return of Matt Ferguson for a second stint, focusing on the scrum and contact areas. Previously overseeing England's forwards between 2015 and 2018, Ferguson has been appointed as an assistant to the team. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) had previously sought candidates externally for this position following their World Cup success in 2021, led by pathway scrum coach Nathan Catt.
Ferguson spent the past year at Harlequins as a transition coach following seven seasons at Northampton. His appointment follows the addition of Shaun Edwards, who joins as a consultant coach specializing in defense matters. Mitchell is bolstering his team ahead of a busy international schedule, including matches against Canada, the United States, and other teams in October.
Lock Delaney Burns is currently questionable for these games due to injury, adding to the challenges faced by Mitchell in the second row department. England is currently without key players Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Rosie Galligan, who are on maternity leave. Harlequins, in response to a recent coaching overhaul, are reportedly seeking a replacement for Ferguson in a significant role. Robbie Deans has also joined the RFU as a consultant performance director.
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