Arabic version: إميلي سكاررت تتولى دور التدريب لمنتخب إنجلترا للرجبي
Emily Scarratt, England’s record points-scorer, returns to Allianz Stadium this Saturday in a new capacity as the lead attack and backs coach for the women’s rugby team. This change comes after her retirement from playing following England’s World Cup victory over Canada in September. Scarratt had briefly taken on a player-coaching role at Loughborough Lightning and served as a water carrier during the World Cup, connecting players with the coaching staff through an earpiece.
According to BBC News, Scarratt’s appointment follows her former teammate Sarah Hunter, who serves as the side’s defence coach. Their roles signify a growing trend of women in coaching positions, although the search for a female head coach continues.
Scarratt emphasized the importance of having women coach women’s teams, noting that it creates a more comfortable environment for players to communicate. She remarked on her experience being coached mostly by men and expressed the need for more female representation within coaching roles.
At the Women’s World Cup last year, 32% of coaches were female, an increase from 15% in 2021, but still short of the 40% target set by World Rugby. Scarratt supports initiatives to promote female coaches and believes that current head coach John Mitchell is actively working to encourage promising female talent.
While Scarratt is focused on her coaching duties during the upcoming Six Nations, she acknowledges the challenge of coaching former teammates. She remains committed to increasing opportunities for women in rugby coaching, emphasizing the need for better access and visibility to inspire future generations.
The Women’s Six Nations match against Ireland is set for Saturday, 11 April, at Allianz Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 14:25 BST. Fans can watch the game live on BBC One and listen via BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.