Simon Amor to return to RFU as Interim Head of Women's performance

Simon Amor will return to the RFU in January, taking up the role of interim Head of Women’s Performance.

Amor’s coaching career has spanned the international men’s and women’s sevens circuit, the men’s senior international game and high-performance leadership. After a distinguished playing career as an England Sevens captain, including four Hong Kong Sevens titles and recognition as the inaugural IRB Sevens Player of the Year in 2004, the 47-year-old moved into coaching with London Scottish and became the Head Coach of the England Women’s Sevens in 2007.

He took charge of the England men’s sevens programme in 2013 and three years later, he led Great Britain’s men to silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Later, he was promoted to Head of England Sevens, overseeing and bringing together the men’s and women’s Senior and Academy programmes, as well as successful qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

His experiences led him to join Eddie Jones’ staff as Attack Coach in 2020, helping England men win the 2020 Guinness Six Nations title. Amor has since held roles with Hong Kong, Japan and USA, working across coaching, player development and most recently as Performance Director.

Amor steps in for current Head of Women’s Performance Charlie Hayter who has taken up the General Manager of High Performance with the British & Irish Lions ahead of the 2027 Howden Lions Women’s Tour.

Hayter will continue in a hybrid role until March to support the transition of the position, before Amor resumes full oversight of the Red Roses and pathway programmes, including their respective Six Nations campaigns, as well as the Red Roses’ preparations for the 2027 WXV Global Series.

“It’s great to be back with the RFU at such an exciting time for women’s rugby and to work with Mitch again,” Amor said.

“Having worked with some of the players during my time with England Sevens, I know what a special group this is and am excited to support their ambition to reach even higher performance levels. I’m also looking forward to supporting the pathway and the next generation of English talent, while contributing to the continued growth of the PWR.

“I’m delighted for both Charlie and Jo, who I’ve worked with previously, and I’m relishing the opportunity to play my part in driving the women’s game forward.”

RFU Director of Performance, Conor O’Shea, added: "We are delighted that Simon has agreed to come into this role whilst Charlie and Jo are away with the inaugural B&I Lions.

“Simon brings with him huge credibility and knowledge and we know that he will come into this role to challenge and make a difference which is massively important to us as we evolve both the Red Roses, and our pathway, on the road to 2029 in Australia. We are all excited to welcome Simon back in the New Year.”