Dubai: Just over a week before this year’s Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens gets underway, Simon Middleton has been named England women’s sevens head coach.
But the new man will not be in charge for the first round of the new IRB Sevens World Series season at The Sevens stadium, as he will take up his new position in the New Year. His first event will be at round two in Atlanta, USA, in February.
Middleton, an experienced coach with Leeds Carnegie in the English Premiership, is charged with spearheading England’s World Sevens Series ambitions — they finished second overall last season. He will also work with the England XVs as the team prepares for the Rugby World Cup in France next year.
“I am very excited about this new role and working with the RFU,” said Middleton. “Personally I feel it’s the appointment I’ve been preparing for since I started my coaching career. To coach your country has to be the ambition of any coach and the pinnacle of any coach’s career.
“When I look at the quality and talent within the current England sevens squad and the emerging talent, it’s impossible not to get excited. I see my job as making sure all their skill and athletic potential is converted into success on the Sevens World Series, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The first round of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Sevens Series kicks off in Dubai next Thursday, November 28, and for this tournament England will be coached by RFU coach James Cooper and Susie Appleby.
