Yorkshire duo aiming to steer England women to grand slam

THERE will be an added Yorkshire influence in the England Women’s ranks tomorrow as they head to Parma looking to secure a successive grand slam.
Mark Luffman: Stepping in.Mark Luffman: Stepping in.
Mark Luffman: Stepping in.

It was announced earlier this week that former Otley chief Mark Luffman has linked back up with his former Leeds Tykes team-mate Simon Middleton by joining the Red Roses’ coaching staff.

Luffman spent the best part of two decades with Leeds, first as a player helping them win promotion to the Premiership and then from 2010 to 2018 as their Academy manager. Having coached Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, he now joins England as forwards coach following the departure of Richard Blaze to Wasps earlier this year. 

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The Red Roses were crowned Six Nations champions following Scotland’s draw with France on Sunday and victory in the rearranged match against Italy will complete another clean sweep.

Luffman has worked in the England men’s pathway, most recently with Jonathan Pendlebury’s Under-18s.

Head coach Middleton, whose side then face a two-Test series against France on November 14 and 21, said: “Mark brings a wealth of experience in academy coaching and management through to senior Premiership coaching which he did with Leeds. He’s a specialist coach but a good all-rounder so a good contributor across the board. He has good set-piece strength and has got really extensive coaching knowledge.

“He’s a hooker by trade and we all know one of the most challenging parts of the women’s game comes in the key positions, including hooker. We’ve got Mark, who is a throwing coach and Amy (Turner) who complements Scott (Bemand) with the backs. That gives us a lot of confidence and we’re in a good place.”

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Luffman said: “To have the opportunity to represent my country and work with a senior international team is a real honour and a privilege. We have a highly talented and driven group of players and I’m looking forward to helping them develop further as we build to the 2021 World Cup.”

But England – already without injured captain Sarah Hunter – have been dealt another blow in their preparations for tomorrow’s game after Gloucester-Hartpury captain Natasha Hunt returned a positive Covid test.

The scrum-half is replaced by Wasps FC Ladies’ Claudia MacDonald with Leanne Riley taking her place on the bench. There is a debut for Loughborough Lightning lock Morwenna Talling and Middleton said: “While we’re understandably disappointed for Mo (Natasha Hunt), the health and safety of all players and staff members is paramount.

“The situation has been handled very well by our medical staff. All training session and training venue footage was reviewed to establish any close contacts and players were interviewed. Fortunately, no-one else needed to isolate.

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“Claudia is a fantastic replacement and the game gives her a chance to impress from the start.

“Morwenna Talling has excelled in training and club matches and we feel she thoroughly deserves her opportunity.”

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