England’s record points-scorer Emily Scarratt has transitioned into a permanent role as an attack and backs coach for the Red Roses. The move follows her successful interim stint during the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, where she helped boost the team’s offensive output after retiring from her playing career.
From Record-Scorer to Permanent Coach
Emily Scarratt has officially joined the Red Roses coaching staff on a full-time basis. The 36-year-old, who previously served as an interim lead attack and backs coach during this year’s Women’s Six Nations, will now leave her assistant coaching position at Loughborough Lightning to focus entirely on the national setup. Her departure from the Premiership Women’s Rugby side ends an eight-year tenure with the club.
Scarratt’s transition reflects a significant shift for the England side, which clinched its eighth successive Women’s Six Nations title this past May. Her impact on the team’s performance has been statistically noted; the Red Roses’ attack scored 27 more points in 2026 compared to the 2025 tournament. This shift occurred after the departure of former attack coach Lou Meadows, who helped secure the Rugby World Cup victory at a sold-out Allianz Stadium last September.
“The Six Nations was challenging but hugely rewarding in equal measure. I’d spent so many years in the Red Roses environment as a player, so stepping into a coaching role in the same setting was a new experience and, at times, slightly unnerving.”
Emily Scarratt, Red Roses coach
John Mitchell on Scarratt’s Coaching Impact
Head coach John Mitchell has been vocal about the value Scarratt adds to the environment. According to the reporting from the BBC, Mitchell highlighted the calmness and specific experience she brings to the daily operations of the squad. For Scarratt, the move represents a commitment to the team’s long-term trajectory.
“There’s a huge amount of ambition within this team, and I’m proud to be part of the journey as we continue to grow and build towards the future.”
Emily Scarratt, Red Roses coach
Parallel Coaching Shifts in England Cricket
While the Red Roses solidify their staff, the England men’s cricket setup has also been expanding its coaching expertise. The England Lions have recruited Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as a batting consultant for their 2024 tour of India. Karthik, who made his international debut in 2004, is joining the squad to assist during the preparation period leading into the first Test.
The Lions’ tour schedule is dense, overlapping with the senior team’s five-Test series beginning on January 25.
- Dinesh Karthik: Batting consultant
- Ian Bell: Batting consultant (joining January 18)
- Graeme Swann: Mentor
- Richard Dawson and Carl Hopkinson: Assistant coaches
Upcoming Test Schedules in Ahmedabad
The immediate focus for the England Lions involves a series of unofficial Tests held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The tour, which commenced with a practice match in mid-January, continues through early February.
| Fixture | Date |
|---|---|
| 1st Unofficial Test | Jan 17–20 |
| 2nd Unofficial Test | Jan 24–27 |
| 3rd Unofficial Test | Feb 1–4 |
With all matches starting at 10:00 AM local time, the tour serves as a critical test for the visiting squad, with the organization hoping that the inclusion of experienced figures like Karthik will provide the players with the necessary insights to succeed at the Test level in India.
