England complete new coaching team

The Rugby Football Union have appointed Scott Bemand and Matt Ferguson as England's XVs Lead Coach and Assistant Coach respectively, to work under Simon Middleton (who was named overall Head Coach of both the XVs and Sevens in February). Susie Appleby continues her role as Sevens consultancy coach.

Published by John Birch, May 21st, 2015

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England complete new coaching team

Bemand and Ferguson will start their new roles on May 28 ahead of England’s summer tour to Canada. England will take on the host nation as well as New Zealand and the USA over three Tests in June and July as part of the Rugby Super Series in Alberta.

This would appear to be Scott Bemand's first coaching appointment in women's rugby. The 36-year-old from Dorset played for Bath, Harlequins, Leicester and England before taking up coaching roles for Luctonians RFC, North Midlands Rugby, England Men's Under 18s and most recently Loughborough Students men's team. Commenting on his appoitnment Bemand said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to work with the reigning world champions and one I am thrilled about. With the sevens in the Olympics in 2016 and England set to defend their world cup crown in 2017, this is a hugely significant period for England Women and women’s rugby as a whole, and certainly an opportunity that was just too good to miss.”

Matt Ferguson has previous experience in the England Women’s set-up having previously as forwards coach for the England A team between 2009 and 2011. Most recently he was assistant and forwards coach at London Welsh and before that forwards coach at Cardiff Blues and Championship side Bristol. Ferguson is also reported to have attended the recent England Academy matches alongside Graham Smith. After confirmation of his appointment Ferguson said “I am honoured to have the opportunity to build on the successful England's women's rugby programme which saw the team crowned world champions in 2014. We have a very a talented and exciting group of players, many of who I have worked with previously, and I am really looking forward to teaming up with them again.”

Commenting on their appointments Nicky Ponsford (RFU Head of Performance) spoke about the selection process, saying “After a comprehensive process involving several rounds of interviews, we are delighted to announce the make-up of the new coaching team who will work alongside Simon. We have selected two talented coaches both with extensive experience as players and coaches who we believe will add to the programme. Matt and Scott are keen to build on the success of the programme to date and have a raft of new ideas to take the programme forward. Matt has a good knowledge of the players in the system having worked in the women’s game previously while Scott will bring a new perspective to the programme from his experience as a player.”

The team are being given a clean slate when it comes to selections for next year, with reports that the new coaches will be devising their own processes.

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