MacDonald: Mitchell's approach ‘really cool'

CLAUDIA MacDonald has praised the 'new perspective' John Mitchell has brought to the England Women's team since taking charge.

- MARK STEVENS

The 60-year-old was appointed head coach last May, taking over from the long-serving Simon Middleton, who led the Red Roses to six Six Nations titles, as well as two Rugby World Cup finals in 2017 and 2022.

Mitchell's reign did not start until the current Six Nations Championship, but already MacDonald is seeing the positives that the New Zealander has brought to the squad.

"He's brought a new and different perspective to things, which I think has been really important," said the Exeter Chiefs star. "I think for all of us, it's been really cool to learn a different way of seeing the game.

"He brings his own tactics, his own coaching, as well as the way he sees things, but to have that kind of fresh eyes and everything is really cool."

Sadly, a neck injury means the 28-year-old is having to play a watching brief during the current Six Nations campaign, but she says Mitchell has been in regular dialogue with her, checking in on her progress.