Former USA boss Sione Fukofuka appointed new Scotland Women's manager

Former USA boss Sione Fukofuka has been appointed as the manager of the Scotland Women national rugby team.

Scottish Rugby announced the news on Wednesday following a “global recruitment process” ahead of their journey towards the 2029 World Cup.

He replaces former manager Bryan Easson, who left the role earlier this year.

The Australian, who was assistant boss at the Wallaroos in 2021, said he is “honoured and privileged” to take on the role.

The 41-year-old was in charge of the US national team for two years before departing the role at the end of this year’s World Cup.

He will officially join up with the Scotland team next month, subject to visa approval.

When Scottish Rugby confirmed the appointment, he said in a statement: “Scottish Rugby’s vision and direction for the future of the women’s programme is one that drew me to the role.

“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.

“I look forward to connecting with the talented players, quality staff and invested stakeholders across the program to drive a high-performance environment that develops the players to their potential and produces a style of rugby that can be successful.”

Scottish Rugby said: “Fukofuka brings a decade of experience across international women’s and men’s teams.

“This began with a coaching role within the Australian Youth Women’s sevens team, and then the Australian Men’s sevens team in 2019.

“His appointment aligns with the start of the countdown to Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia and the new groundbreaking global women’s calendar, which now includes home and away matches in September and October alongside the Guinness Women’s Six Nations tournament, as part of an upweighted international schedule.”