Rugby Australia has appointed Sione Fukofuka as head coach of the Wallaroos, handing the former Scotland boss a contract that runs through the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, which Australia will host.
Fukofuka will formally take charge at the start of 2027, when the Wallaroos transition to a full-time professional programme. Until then, a transitional coaching team will lead the side, with the 47-year-old working under Tim Walsh, Rugby Australia's director of women's high performance, who took up his newly created role last month.
The appointment comes barely a week after Scottish Rugby released Fukofuka from his contract on compassionate grounds, allowing him to return to Australia for family reasons. The governing body said it was surprised by the speed of the move, but confirmed it will receive compensation. Fukofuka had been Scotland head coach since December, guiding the side to fifth place in this year's Women's Six Nations.
"Although a difficult decision to leave the Scottish role, this opportunity allows me to be in Sydney closer to my family," Fukofuka said. "I know many of the players and coaches well from my time in the Queensland and Australian systems and, as we transition to a full-time programme this year, the opportunity for growth is enormous."
A former Wallaroos assistant who began his coaching career in Queensland schools rugby, Fukofuka spent 2023-25 as USA head coach, leading the Eagles at the 2025 World Cup in England. Australia exited that tournament in the quarter-finals and are ranked ninth in the world.
"With the home World Cup on the horizon and the programme going full-time, the next two years are a huge opportunity for this group," Walsh said, describing Fukofuka as "a pioneer among international coaches of Pasifika heritage".
The Wallaroos play six Tests this year, beginning with their 100th Test against New Zealand in Auckland on 22 August. WXV Global Series fixtures follow against England in Salford (13 September), France in Aix-en-Provence (20 September) and Scotland in Edinburgh (27 September), with further matches against Scotland in Sydney and Canberra in October. Scotland will be led on an interim basis by Dave Butcher during the series.
Sources
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-12/wallaroos-head-coach-sione-fukofuka-2029-rugby-world-cup/107026222
- https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c5yw970275wo
