Fukofuka appointed Scotland women head coach

Australian Sione Fukofuka has been appointed head coach of Scotland women.

The former United States women head coach replaces Bryan Easson, who led the side for around five years and oversaw Scotland’s run to this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Fukofuka was previously Australia women assistant and Queensland Reds women attack coach.

On his watch, USA narrowly missed out on the World Cup knockouts.

Scotland open their Women’s Six Nations campaign away to Wales on 11 April and will also face Italy (25 April) and Ireland (17 May) on the road, with home matches against holders England (18 April) and France (9 May).

“An aligned domestic pathway and emphasis on the increasing professionalism of the senior programme through the Celtic Challenge and the senior Scotland Women team is exciting,” Fukofuka told Scottish Rugby.

Scottish Rugby say Fukofuka’s appointment is subject to a visa and he will be based in Edinburgh.

Chief executive Alex Williamson commented: “Sione brings many years of experience within women’s international rugby and we want to build the strongest possible coaching set up to take us forward at this crucial time.

“With head of women’s performance and pathways, Andy Rhys Jones, also starting in the new year, we now have a highly talented leadership group for the whole women’s game for the first time.”