Former Northampton Saints and Harlequins coach Matt Ferguson has returned to the RFU as a Scrum & Contact Skills Coach on a long-term contract.
Ferguson, who has previously held roles with the England Women and England A Men, will work closely with John Mitchell’s Red Roses as well as maximising the potential of the women’s pathway.
Over a three-year period, he played an integral part in the progression of the Red Roses’ forward pack, contributing the squad reaching the 2017 Rugby World Cup final.
Since departing in 2018 to take up assistant coach role at Northampton Saints. The Franklin’s Gardens outfit won the Prem Rugby Cup in his first season with Premiership title honours and a European Champions Cup final place occurring in the last two of Ferguson’s seven seasons at the club.
Whilst at Northampton, Ferguson helped nurture an abundance of young talent to senior and international rugby before taking up the position of Lead Rugby Transition Coach with Harlequins.
He will travel with the Red Roses to North America for their two matches against Canada, and one against USA, in the WXV Global Series.
“Ferg brings a huge amount of experience to the Red Roses and the women’s pathway,” Head of Women’s Performance Charlie Hayter said.
“He has worked at the elite end of the game for over a decade and has a track record for improving the skillset of some England’s top international forwards in both the men’s and women’s game.
“His expertise and attention to detail will have a big impact on our current Red Roses whilst developing those in our pathway who aspire to be a senior international in the future.”
Skills and Kicking Coach Andy Holloway has also committed to the Red Roses and women’s pathway.
Holloway has spent the past three seasons working with the Red Roses, including the build-up to the squad’s 2025 Rugby World Cup success.
He has previously spent six years at Ealing Trailfinders as well as a period with England Sevens men’s and women’s teams, and the women’s pathway players.
Hayter added: “Hollers has played an important part in the Red Roses’ success over the past three years including the 2025 Rugby World Cup win. He has also had a key role in the progression and development of our pathway players.
“His knowledge and understanding of the players make him a valued member of our performance team, and we’re really pleased to have him continuing with us.”
With thanks to the RFU
