News that Exeter Chiefs, in their wisdom, have decided not to extend the contract of their head coach, Susie Appleby, reduces the number of female coaches to a round zero. The only other woman in charge, Rachel Taylor, was given her marching orders by Sale Sharks in January.
These developments fly in the face of World Rugby’s grand strategy, to increase the number of women in every branch of administration.
Appleby had been in charge at Gloucester-Hartpury when Chiefs, about to move into the big time, made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. That was five years ago. Chiefs have always been intensely ambitious – visible in different ways, not least the number of times Sandy Park has hosted England test matches. And the boss, Tony Rowe, was described at the start as “a hard-nosed businessman”. He wanted immediate success; it has proved harder to achieve than he imagined.
Losing two finals and a semi-final didn’t help.
Appleby found it desperately difficult building a new squad with all the limitations imposed by Covid 19. She realised the only practical way forwartd was to sign up players from beyond England’s borders. At the time Red Roses were anxious to maintain stability at their home club as a World Cup floated on the horizon.
Many of those overseas signings were still in play at the end of the current season, but wins remained elusive. A major reason was a hospital ward’s worth of injuries to leading players. The reserve strength couldn’t quite make up the difference.
The board’s views may well have been affected by the most staggering result of the season, a home loss to the bottom club, Sale Sharks. Indeed, it proved the only win Sharks mustered in sixteen attempts.
The Effect on the Players
It will be fascinating to see how this change affects the players. They have known only one person in charge, but coaches don’t last for ever.
My ongoing fascination is with the potential pull of WER in the States.
Rachel Johnson has already announced her departure for Denver Onyx. That is one clear decision to prefer the new USA league to the PWR, and fair enough. Other leading Eagles, Gabby Cantorna, Charli Jacoby and Hope Rogers, would be serious losses for Chiefs, should they come to a similar decision.
Men v women
Five years ago I published a piece on World Rugby’s attempts to increase the number of women in lead coaching positions. (http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2020/05/16/can-women-rugby-coaches- break-through-the-barrier/)
In the rarified air of head coaching matters have turned sharply worse for women. Within the Premier 15s/PWR we have lost the services of Amy Turner (Quins), Giselle Mather (Wasps and Trailfinders), Jo Yapp (Worcester Warriors), Kim Oliver (Bristol), Rachel Taylor (Katy Daley-Maclean still DoR) (Sale Sharks) and now Susie Appleby (Chiefs).
Of course some have moved on to greater things, most notably Yapp to Australia and Mather to GB Sevens. But the fact remains that all were deemed wanting by club executives. Then comes the added doubt: how many of the executives were female?
In four of five of the current PWR clubs listed above, a man took over. Sharks have now added four men to a new coaching staff; Mark Cueto, the distinguished England winger, the latest.
It remains to be seen where a Chiefs’ discussion will lead them.
The Outlook
The increasingly professional outlook on the game makes sackings more instant, more hurtful. In that unfriendly world losses cannot be accepted for long. While fans may call for new signings, the board will look first at the person in charge. Life expectancy in that field shortens.
Among the top players in world rugby there are many with outstanding qualifications to develop into successful coaches and leaders. But how many of them will be willing to take on such responsibilities, when long-term prospects are so dim?
