Sione Fukofuka has resigned as head coach of the Scotland women’s rugby team after seven months in the position, citing family reasons for his departure. The Australian, who was appointed in January and led the team during the Six Nations Championship, will return to Australia due to personal circumstances.

Fukofuka described his decision as one of the most difficult of his professional career. He requested to be released from his contract with Scottish Rugby on compassionate grounds, explaining that the strain of being separated from his family, who remain in Australia, had become unsustainable. He also revealed that his wife’s parents are unwell, which impacted the original plan for the family to relocate within a year, making it no longer feasible.

In the interim, forwards coach Dave Butcher will assume the head coaching responsibilities ahead of the upcoming autumn XV Global Series. Fukofuka expressed confidence in Butcher’s ability to lead the team, highlighting his commitment to the players and his experience in both men’s and women’s rugby. Fukofuka emphasized Butcher’s understanding of the squad’s goals, particularly with regard to their ambitions in the WXV competition.

Scottish Rugby has not announced a permanent replacement yet as the team prepares for the next phase of their international fixtures under interim leadership.