Woodward backs England women's team to win World Cup; urges female coaching role

England's Red Roses are on track to reach the Women's Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham after a dominant run through the tournament, having won four games by a combined 248-25. The host nation have been the dominant force so far, with depth and consistency across their lineup helping them cruise through the pool stages. They also carry a world-record 31-match winning streak since their 2022 World Cup final appearance, underscoring a period of sustained excellence in the women’s game. England’s focus now turns to advancing through the knockout rounds and shaping a final appearance at a sold-out Twickenham, where expectations are high following their near-flawless home form.

Ellie Kildunne’s return from a concussion strengthens England’s backline, part of a squad that has demonstrated both power and pace. The Red Roses have been able to deploy several different game plans, leveraging prolonged professional development that has positioned them ahead of most opponents in terms of fitness and execution. While the tournament has featured mismatches in some pools, organizers say the overall atmosphere and crowds around the World Cup have been strong, contributing to a positive reception for England’s performances on home soil. England beat France comfortably in a warm-up clash away from home, further signaling their readiness for the World Cup’s decisive stages.

Sir Clive Woodward, a longtime observer of England rugby, wrote that England's women have been exceptional and that he backs them to go all the way in this World Cup, while also outlining what he believes is needed to sustain growth. In his view, the female game represents rugby’s best avenue for growth at a moment when the sport as a whole faces financial pressures. Woodward stressed that the RFU has led the way globally by investing significantly in the women’s 15-a-side game, noting that those investments have begun to pay dividends through strong crowds and competitive performances. He also pointed to the RFU’s decision to scrap the women’s sevens programme as a misstep he hopes will not be repeated, arguing that a more balanced approach would support broader participation and visibility for the women’s game.

Woodward made clear that he expects England to prevail over France and reach the final, while acknowledging that New Zealand is a dangerous opponent who could still upset the balance in the championship match. He emphasized that England’s players have been professional longer than most rivals, giving them advantages in power, endurance and versatility. England’s star players, including Kildunne, are highlighted as key components of a multi-faceted attack capable of shifting gears from grinding ball-in-hand to rapid, breakneck speed after the scrum. He cautioned, however, that nothing is guaranteed and that New Zealand’s track record and hard-fought fixture list this tournament could pose a genuine threat in the final.

The veteran coach also used the moment to voice his views on coaching pathways for women. He argued that, in the next World Cup cycle, the RFU should appoint a woman to lead the women’s team, noting that leadership matters in both perception and motivation. Mitchell, England’s current head coach, is under contract through June 2026, leaving little chance of immediate change, but Woodward suggested that a female successor should be identified and prepared in parallel with ongoing preparation for the next cycle. He cited Jo Yapp, the former England captain who coached Australia at this World Cup and is now seeking new opportunities, as a potential option, and said the RFU’s pathway for women coaches should be clarified so players see a clear route into coaching after retirement.

The broader context of Woodward’s remarks centers on ongoing debates about balance and growth within English rugby. While acknowledging Mitchell’s contributions and the team’s recent form, he argued that leadership representation on the sideline matters not only for visibility but also for the sport’s development pipeline. He contended that female coaches can galvanize broader support for women’s rugby by providing role models and demonstrating that coaching careers are reachable at the highest levels. He also called for long-term planning that aligns coaching appointments with sustained investments in development programs for girls and young women across the sport.

On the field, England must now focus on France, a nation mired in controversy following an incident in the France-Ireland quarter-final for which Axelle Berthoumieu received a lengthy nine-match ban. Woodward stressed that there is no place in rugby for such behavior and that England must maintain discipline and focus as they approach the tournament’s decisive stages. England’s World Cup campaign to date has included wins in the warm-up and strong performances in the early rounds, and the team’s depth suggests they can adapt to multiple styles of play. Still, the entry of New Zealand into the discussion as a possible final opponent adds a significant level of competition to what would be a marquee matchup at Twickenham.

As the World Cup progresses, the emphasis on growth and sustainability remains central. Woodward’s call for female leadership in the sport’s next cycle aligns with a broader push to diversify coaching and leadership roles and to ensure women’s rugby continues to expand its fan base and competitive depth. England’s immediate priority remains straightforward: consolidate form, defeat France in the knockout stages when they meet, and position the team for a potential final that would cap a remarkable period of development for the Red Roses. If England can translate their domestic dominance into a global title, it would mark a watershed moment for women’s rugby in England and beyond, signaling a maturation of the sport on and off the field.