Sione Fukofuka has stepped down as Scotland Women head coach, with Scottish Rugby confirming he will return to Australia for family reasons. Forwards coach Dave Butcher takes over in interim charge as the side prepares for the start of the WXV Global Series.
Fukofuka, who was United States head coach between 2023 and 2025, was appointed late last year and led Scotland during the Women's Six Nations. The 42-year-old asked Scottish Rugby for a release from his contract on compassionate grounds after the separation from his wife and young children proved too much to carry on.
"I've had to make probably the hardest professional decision of my life to step away from the role," he told the Scottish Rugby website. "I approached Scottish Rugby and asked for a release from my contract under compassionate grounds."
He added: "Effectively, the stress and the strain on my family, who are back in Australia away from me, proved too much to continue to go on and to do this role the way it should be."
Fukofuka explained that a change in family circumstances, with his wife's parents unwell, made the planned 12-month relocation no longer feasible. "That is what made it so hard – and it's everything to do with what my family are sacrificing and what I'm missing out on being at home and being a father and a husband," he said.
He insisted the decision had nothing to do with Scottish Rugby or the programme, and backed Butcher, who has been forwards coach since February, to lead the squad into the WXV campaign. Scotland next face Canada in six weeks' time.
Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora said the governing body fully respected the reasons behind the departure. "During his time in the role, Sione showed great passion and commitment to the national team and the wider women's programme at Scottish Rugby." He added that the priority now was supporting the players and staff during the transition.
Sources
