Emily Scarratt Commits to Red Roses Coaching Staff Permanently

Emily Scarratt, England's record points-scorer and a two-time World Cup winner, has committed her long-term future to the Red Roses coaching team, permanently departing her role with Loughborough Lightning.

Her full-time appointment as the lead attack and backs coach follows an interim spell during this year’s Women’s Six Nations, where she contributed to England securing an eighth consecutive title.

Transition from Player to Coach

Scarratt's transition into coaching came shortly after her playing retirement following England's Rugby World Cup win last September. The 36-year-old initially joined John Mitchell’s staff as an interim coach for the Women's Six Nations, a period she described as both "challenging but hugely rewarding in equal measure" committed her long-term future.

She noted that moving from player to coach within the same Red Roses environment was "a new experience and, at times, slightly unnerving" saying it was a new experience. Despite the initial uncertainty, Scarratt expressed enjoyment and a significant learning curve, citing the team's ambition and her pride in contributing to their future growth.

Prior to this permanent move, Scarratt had returned to her assistant coach position at Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) side Loughborough Lightning after the Six Nations. Her decision means leaving Loughborough after an eight-year association as both a player and a coach.

Impact and Future Role

Red Roses Head Coach John Mitchell confirmed Scarratt’s significant impact, noting she has "already made a significant impact on our environment in a coaching capacity" making a significant impact. He highlighted her insight, calmness, and experience as invaluable assets during the Six Nations campaign.

Scarratt's influence was statistically evident as the Red Roses' attack scored 27 more points in the 2026 Women's Six Nations than in the 2025 tournament helped the Red Roses' attack. This success comes after former England attack coach Lou Meadows departed the setup following the World Cup victory.

Scarratt holds a unique distinction as the only English player, male or female, to have participated in five Rugby World Cups, having earned 119 caps during her illustrious playing career. This extensive experience at the highest level of international rugby news is now directly channeled into the Red Roses' coaching strategy.

Loughborough Departure and World Cup Aspirations

Reflecting on her departure from Loughborough, Scarratt conveyed immense gratitude for the support and challenges she experienced there. She thanked everyone connected with the club, stating she would "always look back on my time with immense gratitude" leaving Loughborough.

Her permanent integration into the Red Roses coaching staff signals a continued focus on developing their attacking prowess as they build towards future international competitions.