Emily Scarratt Champions Female Coaching Revolution in Women's Rugby

Emily Scarratt returns to Allianz Stadium this Saturday in a dramatically different capacity than her last appearance there. The England record points-scorer, who helped secure the World Cup victory over Canada as a water carrier due to injury, now stands on the touchline as the Red Roses' new lead attack and backs coach.

The transition from player to coach represents more than just a career change for Scarratt - it symbolizes a broader movement toward increasing female representation in rugby coaching ranks. Speaking about the impact of women coaching women's teams, Scarratt is unequivocal: "It is huge."

Her perspective comes from experience spanning both sides of the coaching dynamic. "I have spent so much of my career being coached by men, and brilliant men, and men who have had so much experience and can bring so much from their own experiences into our world," she explains. "Having females around the environment makes a big difference."

The practical benefits extend beyond tactical knowledge. Scarratt highlights the unique connections female coaches can forge with players, noting their ability to "check in with players differently, have different sorts of conversations, be comfortably able to go into the changing room and grab somebody."

Perhaps most importantly, she's observed how players communicate more openly with female coaches. "I found it in terms of the girls feeling like they can say stuff to me that perhaps they wouldn't feel comfortable saying to either an older coach and/or a male coach," Scarratt reveals.

The numbers tell a story of gradual progress mixed with missed opportunities. At the 2025 Women's World Cup, 32% of coaches were female - a significant jump from just 15% in 2021. However, this fell short of World Rugby's ambitious 40% target. The sport is taking note: FIFA recently mandated that every team in women's football tournaments must include at least one female head coach or assistant coach.

England head coach John Mitchell appears to be ahead of this curve. Scarratt suggests Mitchell has been strategically planning for this transition, understanding that recently retired players like herself and defense coach Sarah Hunter represent invaluable coaching resources.

"I don't know if Mitch will admit it or not, but I think it has been part of his master plan all along," Scarratt says with a laugh. "There are a few of us who have only just recently retired. There are also a few of the older players who, I am sure, would love to get involved, stay in the RFU or coach somewhere."

Mitchell's confidence in his former players is evident. When asked whether Scarratt or Hunter - who between them earned 260 international caps - could lead England as head coach at the 2033 World Cup, his response is emphatic: "Most definitely."

The 64-year-old coach praises their work ethic and curiosity, qualities that served them well as players. "You don't play over 100 Test matches or become the most-capped English women's player in history if you don't have a strong work rate," Mitchell observes.

Navigating the transition from teammate to coach presents its own challenges. Scarratt jokes about scrum-half Natasha Hunt's failed attempt to remain her roommate, but acknowledges the more serious boundary adjustments required.

"There are certain things that I cannot talk to Mo about any more because there is an element where it is not appropriate for players to know certain things," she explains. "Obviously they know who I am. I know who they are. There is no point trying to pretend like we are not friends or that we can't share a joke with one another. That would almost be weirder."

While only three female head coaches led teams at the last World Cup, Scarratt remains optimistic about the future. Her focus extends beyond just promoting former players into coaching roles.

"Fundamentally, we need to do a better job - whether that is upskilling, making it more accessible or showing that it is visible - for more people to be in the game and to then move into those roles," she emphasizes.

As Scarratt embarks on this new chapter, her presence alongside Hunter in England's coaching setup represents more than individual career progression. It signals a shift toward a future where female voices are not just welcome but essential in shaping women's rugby.