Jo Yapp appointed to new RFU role of Head of Women's Pathway

Seventy-time capped England international Jo Yapp has been appointed the Head of Women’s Pathway – a brand-new role at England Rugby- from July 2026. 

She will work collaboratively with Head of Women’s Performance, Charlie Hayter, to align on the future England women’s pathway priorities, whilst leading on the delivery of the strategic direction of the women’s pathway – a key pillar in the RFU’s Every Rose strategy. 

That strategy set out a clear ambition to maintain the Red Roses as a world-leading team, with strong player pathways and thriving domestic leagues, including supporting Premiership Women’s Rugby. In her role, Yapp will ensure players are inspired and equipped to maximise their potential and spearhead further growth in the pathway moving forward. 

Yapp represented the Red Roses as a player at three World Cups and has previously been head coach of the England Under-20s as well as Worcester Warriors and the Barbarians.  

Most recently, she led Australia to a quarter-final finish at the 2025 Rugby World Cup after becoming the first female to be named a head coach of any senior Australian national team in rugby union, rugby league, Australian rules football or association football. 

“I’m incredibly passionate about the women’s pathway,” Yapp said of her appointment. 

“The pathway is in a really strong place, thanks to the commitment and passion behind so much outstanding work. It’s special to be coming back into this space and to work alongside people who care deeply about making a real difference. 

“I want to use the knowledge and experience I’ve gained from different environments to keep driving the pathway forward and support its continued growth.” 

Head of Women’s Performance, Charlie Hayter, added: “The women’s pathway has made significant strides over a number of years and Jo will play a pivotal role in its continued growth and progress. This role reflects both how far the pathway has come and our commitment to providing further support to sustain that momentum. 

“Jo brings with her a wealth of experience from across the women’s game. From top level international coaching with Australia, as well as previous England and PWR roles. Jo has a wealth of knowledge, and a proven track record of embedding progress.  

“I'm really excited by the impact Jo will have on shining a brighter spotlight on the whole of the pathway, by both supporting on the ground and helping to drive key objectives aligned to the EveryRose strategy.” 

Until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, Yapp will take on a consultancy role as an advisor across the pathway programmes as well as supporting Emily Scarratt’s interim role as attack and backs coach with the Red Roses. 

The former scrum-half will embed herself within the Under-18 and Under-21 international programmes to gain a deeper insight into the broader England system, and work alongside the Player Development Group (PDG) Lead to understand the key strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the Under-18 PDG programme. Alongside this, she will be present at the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.