Marlie Packer: John Mitchell’s hiring as head coach has the England captain “excited.”
While on vacation, England captain Marlie Packer nearly missed her first chance to speak with new head coach John Mitchell as he addressed the squad.
Mitchell, 59, of New Zealand, will assume the position following the conclusion of his tenure as the men’s defence coach for Japan during the Rugby World Cup in France in October.
Packer didn’t know Mitchell was appointed until teammate Emily Scarratt told her that she was gone.
“You might want to get on the phone with the new head coach,” “Scaz” messaged, she claimed.
Mitchell, a former men’s coach for New Zealand, will take over for Simon Middleton, who resigned after England’s Six Nations victory last month.
Although Packer stated she was “looking forward” to working with the new head coach, she did not disclose anything that was discussed during his initial conversation with the squad.
“It’s incredibly exciting for us; we needed a fresh voice and a new coach,” she remarked.
Packer continued, saying that although she would have “loved” Mitchell to start right away, she is glad that forwards coach Louis Deacon will take over as England prepares for WXV in October.
Pursuing Exeter
For the last four Premier 15 games of the season, Packer, 33, has just returned to Saracens.
On Sunday at the StoneX Stadium, the third-place Sarries will play the league-leading Exeter.
“It’s not just another game—it’s a game versus Exeter,” stated Packer. We are searching for a semifinal held at home.”
The defending champions, North Londoners, will not field England internationals Poppy Cleall and Mackenzie Carson because to “short-term” injuries, according to director of rugby Alex Austerberry.
According to Austerberry, the club was relishing “not being the ones hunted” and found their league position to be a “new challenge.”
Contractual issue
Given that the Red Roses’ contracts will be renewed in the summer, all English Premier 15 players understand how important it is to finish the season strong.
Numerous players for Sarries are either under contract or are looking to sign one, and Austerberry described the situation as “complicated.”
He declared, “I don’t think the timetables are reasonable.”
“Everyone has obligations in life, such as paying bills, and we don’t want that uncertainty. We must treat individuals fairly.”
Regarding timeliness, Packer said she has been discussing with Charlie Hayter, the RFU’s head of women’s performance, the need of being “as honest as they can” with the players.
“A lot of the players are now unknown,” she remarked.
“When there is a breakdown in communication, people begin to worry. If we can just keep talking, keep telling people that this is what we’re talking about, this is what’s happening behind the scenes.
“We have a huge few years ahead of us, so the players want to do it right.”
