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Scotland Women Coach Sione Fukofuka Exits After 8 Months

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Scottish Rugby announced that women's head coach Sione Fukofuka is leaving his role for personal reasons after eight months in charge.

He took over in December, shortly before the Women's Six Nations, and guided the team to a fifth‑place finish with their only victory over Wales. He said the decision was the hardest professional choice of his life, citing stress on his family in Australia and the unfeasibility of a 12‑month relocation plan after his wife's parents became ill. He requested a release from his contract under compassionate grounds, explaining that the strain on his family, who remain in Australia, combined with his wife's parents' illness made continuing untenable.

Following his departure, forwards coach Dave Butcher will assume interim responsibility ahead of the WXV Global series starting September 13. Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora thanked Fukofuka for his passion and commitment, saying the organization will support the women's programme and ensure structures are in place for the upcoming series and long‑term recruitment.

Nucifora emphasized that the women's national team will receive continued support during this transition, with plans to strengthen recruitment and coaching pathways ahead of the Global series.