logo
Mitchell puts pressure on New Zealand and maintains England's World Cup focus

Mitchell puts pressure on New Zealand and maintains England's World Cup focus

The Guardian28-04-2025

'New Zealand have more pressure on them to win the upcoming Rugby World Cup than us because they are on for the three-peat,' the England head coach, John Mitchell, said as his focus turns from celebrating Six Nations success to the looming global tournament.
The Black Ferns have won the past two Rugby World Cups, beating England in the 2017 and 2022 finals. But they have done a four-peat in the competition as they won the trophy from 1998-2010.
The Red Roses, who won their seventh consecutive Women's Six Nations title on Saturday with a 43‑42 victory against France, have not won the Rugby World Cup since 2014 despite dominating the sport in all other competitions in the past few years: in their past 62 games they have lost only one, that coming in the World Cup final three years ago.
Mitchell was asked if he and his coaches are keeping an eye on New Zealand pre-World Cup, particularly now that the Rugby World Cup all‑time try-scorer ­Portia ­Woodman‑Wickliffe has come out of retirement to compete in it.
'We are focusing more on the USA, Samoa and Australia [England's pool opponents],' Mitchell said. 'Then Wales, ­Scotland and France again in a semi‑final. If all things go to plan they [New Zealand] will be on the other side. We will deal with that if we earn the right but I think New Zealand are on for a three-peat in World Cups so there is probably more pressure on them to win a World Cup than us.'
The Rugby World Cup is being held in England and will start in August. Every team will have a squad of 32 and Mitchell said he does not know why the women's competition does not have 33-player squads like the men's Rugby World Cup.
Squads of 33 players for the men's competition were introduced for the 2023 tournament, an increase from 31, but it has not been brought in by World Rugby for the women's event. The women's squad number was initially increased to 30 from 28 but was upped to 32 for the tournament three years ago because of the pandemic.
Mitchell, who confirmed he would take 18 forwards and 14 backs to the tournament this year, said: 'It seems strange that the men's World Cup is 33 and we're only 32 and the teams have to come all this way.
'I think World Rugby will probably need to consider it going forward because otherwise you are going to have to wait for players to be flown from overseas. I think you have to wait until the 24-hours flight rule or whatever it is because the overseas teams would have to wait to bring their ­players in. I think 33 seems to be the right number, like [in] the men's game.'
It is understood the discrepancy in squad sizes is because the men's competition has more fixtures and the decision to remain at 32 ­players for the women's event this year was also taken in line with unions. But it is also thought that if unions wanted World Rugby to look into an increase in squad numbers for the next women's tournament in 2029, the governing body would be open to considering it.
Sign up to The Breakdown
The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed
after newsletter promotion
The grand slam-winning match against France was England's final game until they compete in warm-up matches, which Mitchell confirmed were happening. The dates of the games have not been confirmed but the head coach said of his team's preparations: 'We take on Spain in a warm-up in Leicester and we have this mob again [France] somewhere in the south-west.'
The players will have five weeks off before almost three months of pre-season preparation for the tournament. The centre Meg Jones, who won the grand slam on Saturday, said the upcoming competition may be the highlight of many of the squad's careers.
'We want to make sure that we have had sufficient rest which we are going to get and then we are going to go into a home World Cup which is probably going to be the pinnacle of our careers,' Jones said. 'It is going to be amazing. We just want to relish that opportunity as much as we can and not take it for granted. A home World Cup, it doesn't come around often. The last one was 2010.'
England's Rugby World Cup campaign gets under way on 22 August against USA in Sunderland.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

South Pacific tour ‘crucial' to Scotland seeding for World Cup
South Pacific tour ‘crucial' to Scotland seeding for World Cup

Powys County Times

time24 minutes ago

  • Powys County Times

South Pacific tour ‘crucial' to Scotland seeding for World Cup

Gregor Townsend stressed the importance of Scotland's summer tour of the South Pacific after naming his 36-man squad for the three fixtures. The Scots kick off with a match against the Maori All Blacks in Whangarei, New Zealand on July 5 before they take on Fiji a week later, with the match marking Scotland's first game on Fijian soil since 2017. In their final game, Scotland take on Samoa in Auckland, New Zealand at the historic Eden Park on July 18. Head coach Townsend, who named Rory Darge as captain with George Turner returning to the fold after missing the last year of international rugby following his move to Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, said: 'We know that playing Test matches for Scotland and winning Test matches for Scotland is really important, so we have to pick a strong squad to take on the likes of Fiji and Samoa. Your 36-player squad for the @skyscanner Pacific Tour 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Read more ➡ — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) June 10, 2025 'It's an even more important issue with the world-ranking points. The World Cup draw gets made after November, so these games are crucial to make sure we've got the best chance of being in that top six and getting a better seeding. 'There's always, maybe one or two players that we decided not to select not because of form, but because we think it's not right for them to go into tour at this time. 'But other than that, it's as strong as a squad as we could select, and the benefit of having that third game of the game against Maori All Blacks will mean that we will everybody in tour will get game time, and players that maybe haven't played as much for us in the past are going to get game time on the tour and game time for Scotland.' Head Coach Gregor Townsend discusses his selections for the @Skyscanner Pacific Tour. Watch the video here ➡️ #AsOne — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) June 10, 2025 There are three uncapped players named by head coach Gregor Townsend – stand-off Fergus Burke, back-row Alexander Masibaka and tighthead prop Fin Richardson – although all three have been involved with the squad before. In the back row, Matt Fagerson has been included despite missing the end of season with Glasgow through injury but there is no place for Jack Dempsey, who had been sidelined since the Six Nations win over Wales in March. Forwards Andy Onyeama-Christie and Max Williamson are back in after injury. Townsend said he was pleased to be able to recall Turner, who has signed for Harlequins for next season. He said: 'I think when George went to Japan, we never knew whether that would be extended and he was there until the end of his career, which would make it very difficult for him to be considered for us, given the Japan season is played during the Six Nations. 'So it was very good news that he got a club back in the UK and he was really keen to be back involved with us.' Townsend believes some of the Scotland players who narrowly missed out on selection for the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia may yet get their chance. He said: 'I don't want to say we hope that to happen because that means someone's been injured on the tour, but if someone does get injured, then we would like to feel that our players in a strong position. Some would have been very close to selection anyway. 'If they're playing in New Zealand or in Fiji and playing well, then that gives them an even bigger opportunity to potentially join the Lions tour. 'We've seen the weekend, unfortunately for us was Zander (Fagerson) being injured, but there will be injuries on the way to Australia and during the tour in Australia. 'But the good thing for our players and those that maybe were closer to selection is they were so keen to come out and tour. They've had long seasons, but some of these players are in great form. I look at the weekend and seeing lots of Rory Darge and Tom Jordan still playing some of their best rugby at this time of the season. 'So that's great for us as we go to tour, but it should be also good for chances of getting on the Lions tour.' Scotland Under-20 men's assistant coach Fergus Pringle has been appointed as forwards coach for the tour, deputising for John Dalziel, who will be with the Lions.

Hibs eye Ryan Porteous return and possible Scotland boost
Hibs eye Ryan Porteous return and possible Scotland boost

The Herald Scotland

time34 minutes ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Hibs eye Ryan Porteous return and possible Scotland boost

With his future uncertain at Championship side Watford, Hibs were close to securing a return on loan for the fans' favourite in the final days of the January window. Beaten to the punch by Preston North End, the Easter Road club will study the financial implications of re-signing a player who played over 150 games for the club before moving to Vicarage Road in January 2023. David Gray's side missed out on a guaranteed £5 million UEFA windfall when Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup to claim group stage football in the Europa Conference League. With two years left on his current contract, a season-long loan deal looks the most realistic proposition. Key to persuading Porteous to return home is the lure of regaining his place in the Scotland squad before the World Cup qualifying campaign gets underway in Denmark in September. Capped 14 times for the senior team, Porteous made his last appearance as a late replacement for Anthony Ralston in the first leg win over Greece in the Nations League play-off. Scotland begin their campaign to reach next year's World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States when they play group favourites Denmark away in Copenhagen in September.

Rugby league's first knight, Sir Billy Boston, can inspire today's generation
Rugby league's first knight, Sir Billy Boston, can inspire today's generation

Scottish Sun

time43 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Rugby league's first knight, Sir Billy Boston, can inspire today's generation

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUGBY league's first ever knight, Sir Billy Boston, is as relevant to today's generation at Wigan as he was his own, boss Matt Peet believes. The Welsh wonder was confirmed as the 13-a-side code's inaugural Sir in 130 years of existence in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace today. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Billy Boston, pictured leaving the field in 1966, has become rugby league's first ever knight. Credit: WIGAN WARRIORS After scoring 571 tries in 564 career appearances following a £3,000 switch after playing for Pontypridd and Neath RU, the 90-year-old has inspired many since. And Peet, who has had Boston in speaking to his side, feels the way he conquered adversity, including racism, can apply now. He said: 'There are always lessons to learn from the past and in that era in sport there were trailblazers who faced tough conditions and treatment. 'There's no doubt that paved the way for other people and Billy certainly falls into the category of being an unstoppable force. No matter what people thought of race or class during that time, he let his rugby do the talking. 'I don't think Billy's that comfortable speaking about his own achievements, but he's a huge presence. He's part of the team at Wigan. 'When I say to fans, 'Who's your favourite?' It's almost like, 'It's Billy, then we'll talk about everyone else.' 'He's an iconic figure and to consider him a friend and speak to him at games is a privilege. Hopefully there's more to come for the game.' The man from Tiger Bay has three statues - at Wigan, Wembley and Cardiff Bay. Little wonder for a trailblazer, the first non-white player to be selected by Great Britain to tour Australia and New Zealand in 1954. He won 32 caps, scoring 25 tries, and helped them win the World Cup in 1960, as well as Ashes Series against Australia at home in 1956/1957 and 1959/1960, and away in 1962. Boston scooped seven major honours at Wigan - for whom he scored 478 tries in 488 games, including three or more on 51 occasions - records that remain intact. 3 Boston is immortalised in three states, including one at Cardiff Bay in his native Wales Credit: Yet after hanging up his boots, many more followed. An MBE came in 1996 after he was inducted into the Rugby League and the Welsh Sports Halls of Fame. He became an honorary freeman of Wigan in 2000 and received BBC Wales' Elite Lifetime Achievement award in 2016. Warriors owner Mike Danson said: 'One of the biggest thrills in my ownership has been enjoying the company of Billy Boston. 'Without doubt, he was - and still is - the biggest crowd favourite in rugby league. 'He is my mum Jean's favourite player - they are of the same age! She remains in awe of the great man and his legacy. 3 Boston helped Great Britain win the 1960 World Cup Credit: RLHA/ 'I am thrilled that at long last Billy will be appointed as rugby league's first knight! A richly deserved honour which means this most humble of men rightly receives at last fitting recognition.' Another legend, Ellery Hanley, added: 'Billy was super world class. He had gone beyond anything else and what anyone else has done. His exploits on the field were remarkable – he was dynamite in every aspect of the game.' Congratulations also came from Boston's homeland as Wales Rugby League chairman James Davies said: "He has inspired so many and it's part of our responsibility to ensure his story will continue to do so for years to come.' Josh Simons, the MP for Makerfield, where Sir Billy lives, said: 'I'm so proud that Billy, my constituent, a hero of rugby league, will now be Sir Billy Boston. Presenting Billy with a letter about his knighthood was an emotional moment. 'Billy is a remarkable man.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store