Ireland women's rugby head coach Scott Bemand has signed a contract extension that will keep him in charge through the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup in Australia. The former England attack coach joined Ireland in August 2023 on a three-year deal and has since led the team to significant achievements.

The 44-year-old guided Ireland to the inaugural WXV3 title in Dubai and consecutive third-place finishes in the Women's Six Nations. Bemand also steered Ireland to the World Cup quarter-finals in England last year, where they led France 13-0 before falling 18-13. His tenure includes Ireland's memorable WXV1 victory over New Zealand in September 2024.

Irish Rugby Football Union performance director David Humphreys praised Bemand's commitment to developing young talent and building squad depth. The IRFU sees this extension as crucial for advancing Ireland's ambitions ahead of the 2029 tournament. Bemand will announce his squad for this year's Women's Six Nations on Wednesday.