England Women head coach to step down following 2023 Women’s Six Nations

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) can confirm England Women head coach Simon Middleton has decided he will step down from his role after the conclusion of the 2023 Women’s Six Nations.

The 57-year-old guided England to their record-breaking 30 match-winning run and two Rugby World Cup finals in 2017 and 2022.

Middleton joined the RFU in 2014 and led the 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.

Middleton led Team GB Women Sevens where the team finished fourth at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, the sport’s Olympic debut, before focusing fully on XVs on his return.

During his tenure to date, he has guided England to five Six Nations titles and four Grand Slams.

Middleton was awarded an MBE for services to rugby football in June 2021 and was the first women's coach to be named World Rugby Coach of the Year in the same year.

He will lead the team for this year’s Six Nations, which kicks off next month. Forwards coach Louis Deacon and backs coach Scott Bemand will also remain in their roles for the Six Nations.