England Women coach Gary Street steps down five months after winning World Cup
Monday 26 January 2015 16:16, UK
England Women’s World Cup-winning coach Gary Street has parted company with the RFU by mutual consent.
The 46-year-old became assistant to Geoff Richards in 2006 and graduated to the role of head coach a year later.
His first World Cup ended in defeat to New Zealand in the final but he continued to build a successful side - guiding England Women to five consecutive Six Nations crowns and two Nations Cups.
Street then oversaw a victorious 2014 World Cup campaign with the Red Rose overcoming Canada 21-6 in the final.
He said: "I have been part of an incredible journey for the last 14 years, and I am extremely proud of the part that I played in growing the women’s game to where it is now. The pinnacle has to be winning the Rugby World Cup in France last year.
"However, huge credit must go to all the people involved in making that happen, not just the players but the backroom staff too and the many players and staff before that. It is a moment I will cherish forever. I now feel that I have achieved everything that I set out to do, and this is the right time to explore new challenges in my career."
Street leaves his role while his assistant Graeme Smith will stay on to help Head of Performance Nick Ponsford during the forthcoming Six Nations before departing too.
Ponsford said: "We would like to thank both Gary and Graham for their outstanding contributions to women’s rugby, which has seen significant and unparalleled success in that time.
"Gary’s involvement extends to 15 years, with Graham not far behind and the effort and enthusiasm they have put into their roles has been fantastic in supporting and developing the players as well as the women’s programme. Many of those players who won in Paris last year have been developed and coached by Gary and Graham throughout their entire playing careers.
"However, we all felt the time was right to make some changes within the women’s programme as we look to rebuild the team ahead of the next World Cup in 2017."
Maggie Alphonsi, who was part of Street's World Cup-winning side, was shocked by the news.
She told Sky Sports News: "It's a massive surprise for him to step down before the Six Nations but I can see the thought process of leading into the next World Cup in 2017 and getting a team in place for that.
"He's given so much to the game and has invested so much in the sport. He's been part of the coaching and development so it's a big heartbreak really but I know whatever he goes on to will be good for him.
"He leaves a big legacy. He really brought a lot of players on like myself. He taught many how to play rugby in the academy programme and they are big shoes to try and fill. It's going to be quite a big challenge."
