England Rugby women's U20 head coach appointed

Lou Meadows has been confirmed as the head coach of the England Rugby women’s U20 team, a role instrumental to the future success of the women’s game, which enters a new era ahead of a home 2025 Rugby World Cup.  

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, Meadows took to the field for Wasps and Saracens.  

Women’s U20 head coach, Lou Meadows said: “I’m delighted and immensely proud to be the new head coach of the England Rugby women’s U20 team, a role which helps shape the incredible talent we have coming through our pathways.  

“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.  

“We’re right now in the midst of a monumental time in women’s sport, shown by our Red Roses. England Rugby is working to build on and ensure their success into the future, and our pathways programmes are crucial to that.”

Head of Performance Pathways and Programmes, Donald Barrell said: “We are very excited to have Lou as our new head coach for the England Rugby women’s U20 team.  

“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 fulltime strength and conditioning coach for the women’s U20 team, alongside new physiotherapy and psychology provisions.  

“Lou will support and accelerate the development of U20s players, working underneath the England Rugby Development Framework with her team. We will have other new roles join the women’s pathway this year and are excited to introduce them in due course.”