Red Roses face WXV series with new ball, new citizen coach

The England women's rugby team, the Red Roses, are preparing for the inaugural WXV Global Series, which will feature World Rugby's new size 4.5 match balls. This comes as head coach John Mitchell recently formalized his UK citizenship.

The world champions, who last secured a Six Nations Grand Slam, will play home matches against Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in September before traveling to face Canada again and the USA in October, according to BBC Rugby Union reporting on their schedule.

New Ball Prompts Tactical Adjustments

The new size 4.5 balls, roughly 3% smaller than the standard size five but retaining the same weight, are already in use during the England camp. Their introduction has generated discussion, with England fly-half Zoe Harrison previously calling it "the worst decision someone has ever made" per BBC Rugby Union.

Mitchell indicated that attacking players and kickers were given the new balls over the holidays. He emphasized coaching as crucial for success with the new equipment. While he believes his "girls have been well-coached," he also noted it is "too early" to definitively say if it will aid offloading or passing as he told BBC Rugby Union.

He suggested the smaller ball might lead to more contestable kicking, an aspect the Red Roses aim to minimize given it distinguishes their game from the men's version. World Rugby conducted a trial of these balls with female players on the top-tier Sevens circuit last November, and Mitchell anticipates conclusions will be drawn after the initial three home Tests reported by BBC Rugby Union.

Mitchell's UK Citizenship Milestone

During the recent summer break, Mitchell, originally from New Zealand, officially became a UK citizen. The 62-year-old, who coached the All Blacks to the 2003 Rugby World Cup semi-finals, has had an extensive coaching career in England with clubs like Sale Sharks and Wasps, and as the England men's forwards coach.

Mitchell joked that he should have pursued citizenship "20 years earlier." The process included questions on British history and geography, plus singing the national anthem. He described an instance where he helped his examiner with the anthem's music, playing it from his Apple Music and "belting it out" according to BBC Rugby Union. For more information about the broader landscape of women's rugby news, DJC Rugby provides extensive coverage.

Looking Ahead to WXV Series

The upcoming WXV series marks a significant moment for the England women's team, introducing new playing conditions and providing high-stakes competition against top-tier nations. The series will offer early insights into how teams adapt to the new ball and tactical shifts. As global rugby calendars evolve, discussions like those raised in England Players Question Nations Championship Travel Demands highlight ongoing conversations about player welfare and international competition structures.