Great Britain Coaches announced for 2026
The coaching teams to lead Great Britain in 2026, a World Cup year, have today been named, with a number of new coaches appointed.
Great Britain Programme Director, Gregg Cropper praised the applicants and the experience that they’ll bring to the programme: “We’ve had an exceptional group of applicants this year, and I’m genuinely excited to work with such an experienced and well-rounded coaching team.
“It’s great to see new coaches from outside of Tag bringing fresh skills and perspectives into the programme, while also retaining stalwarts of the sport who continue to drive our standards forward. With this blend of experience, energy and ambition, we’re in a strong position heading into a World Cup year.”
Notable appointments include Caroline Henzell taking over the head coach role from the Gold-medal-winning coach Mark Roughsedge, having assisted Mark during the 2025 season. Henzell will be assisted by Joss Linney, who is new to the programme but has vast experience in coaching both men’s and women’s rugby.
Long time player, Daniel Ampaw will assist head coach James Baron in the Men’s Open side.
Sam Bedford will take control of Women’s 27s assisted by Freya Wilde who previously held the role of specialist coach. Bedford takes over from the departing Ant Merrett who has been in the post of head coach for the past two seasons and previously assisted the Women’s seniors to Gold in 2023.
In Men’s 30s, David Dunk steps up to the head coach role having been assistant to Tony Musgrave during 2024 and 2025 seasons. Dunk is assisted by Tom Entwistle.
Men’s 40s sees long standing player/coach Matt Picknett step down with assistant coach and player Michael Vinluan taking the head coach role, assisted by Stuart Aimer. Aimer is new to Tag Rugby and a RFU Level 2 Rugby coach and has previously held head coach, assistant coach and performance coach roles in rugby.
The Men’s 21s will be coached by Jodie Bijorac, assisted by Neil Streete. Bijorac is no stranger to the GB set up having previously coached and played for Great Britain and has also coached South Africa at the 2023 Tag World Cup. Streete played for the Alliance Team at the Tag World Cup in 2023 and has played Tag Rugby since 2016 including at Super League level. He’s also coached University Basketball and is a qualified snowboarding coach.
In the Women’s 21s Laura Riches continued in her role as head coach, while Phoebe Robins moves to assistant coach.
Men’s Open
Head Coach James Baron, Assistant Coach Daniel Ampaw
Women’s Open
Head Coach Hannah Wilson, Assistant Coach Riley Lombardo
Mixed Open
Head Coach Caroline Henzell, Assistant Coach Joss Linney
Women’s 27s
Head Coach Sam Bedford, Assistant Coach Freya Wilde
Men’s 30s
Head Coach David Dunk, Assistant Coach Tom Entwistle
Mixed Seniors
Head Coach Kimiora Parkinson, Assistant Coach Catherina Lindsay
Women’s 37s
Head Coach Tracey Smith, Assistant Coach Emma Becker
Men’s 40s
Head Coach Michael Vinluan, Assistant Coach Stuart Aimer
Men’s 50s
Head Coach Andrew Davis, Assistant Coach Alex Sadgrove
Men’s 21s
Head Coach Jodie Bijorac, Assistant Coach Neil Streete
Women’s 21s
Head Coach Laura Riches, Assistant Coach Phoebe Robins