The England women's rugby team is currently in Nottingham for their pre-season training as they prepare for the inaugural WXV Global Series. This new international competition will see the Red Roses face off against formidable opponents including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand on home turf in September, followed by additional matches against Canada and the USA in October.
In their last appearance, the world champions showcased their dominance by clinching another Grand Slam in the Six Nations. With high expectations set for the upcoming series, head coach John Mitchell is keen to share insights into the team's preparations and adjustments.
A notable change in training involves the introduction of World Rugby's new size 4.5 balls, which are approximately 3% smaller than the traditional size five but maintain the same weight. These smaller balls are already being utilized in the England camp, despite some controversy surrounding their implementation. England fly-half Zoe Harrison previously expressed her discontent, labeling the decision as "the worst decision someone has ever made."
Mitchell, however, remains optimistic about the adaptation process. He emphasized the importance of coaching in maximizing the effectiveness of the new equipment. "If you want to get better at something, regardless of the size of the ball, it’s all about coaching. So I think our girls have been well-coached," he stated. He acknowledged that while it is premature to determine the impact on their offloading game or passing accuracy, the new balls could introduce more contestable kicking—an aspect he prefers to minimize in their strategy.
The trial of the smaller balls took place with female players on the top-tier Sevens circuit last November, and Mitchell believes that the outcomes from this series will provide valuable insights. He anticipates that clearer conclusions will emerge after the first three Tests at home.
In addition to the changes on the field, Mitchell himself has embraced a personal milestone by officially becoming a UK citizen during the summer break. Originally from New Zealand, he has a rich coaching history, including leading the All Blacks to the semi-finals in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Mitchell humorously recounted his citizenship test experience, where he helped the examiner find the music for the national anthem, showcasing his enthusiasm for his new home.
As the team evolves, new talent is also emerging. Last month, Gloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner and Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson were awarded full-time England contracts for the 2026-27 season, marking a significant step in their careers. Mitchell highlighted Robinson's potential as a key player, especially as they prepare for future competitions, including the next World Cup.
Emily Scarratt, a former world player of the year, has also joined the Red Roses set-up full-time as the attack and backs coach. Having previously taken on the role on an interim basis during the Six Nations, her full-time position signifies an increase in responsibility and influence within the coaching staff.
The WXV Global Series, while lacking a formal tournament structure, serves as a critical platform for the England team to refine their skills and strategies ahead of the 2029 World Cup in Australia. Mitchell views this series as an opportunity to experiment and grow, stating, "There’s no tournament to win so we can be very patient about how we go about things." With a challenging schedule that includes multiple matches against Canada, the Red Roses are poised to showcase their growth and adaptability in preparation for the future.
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