Sione Fukofuka has officially resigned from his position as head coach of the Scotland Women’s rugby team, citing the emotional difficulty of being separated from his family in Australia. Fukofuka, who previously coached the United States squad from 2023 to 2025, stated that the distance made it impossible to fulfill his coaching responsibilities to the necessary standard. The decision was prompted by health issues affecting his in-laws, which rendered the family’s planned relocation to Scotland no longer viable.
Fukofuka expressed deep appreciation for his time in Scotland and clarified that his departure was strictly a personal decision rather than a reflection of any dissatisfaction with the Scottish Rugby organization. He emphasized that the primary motivation was the need to prioritize his duties as a husband and father.
In the immediate term, forwards coach Dave Butcher will step in as interim head coach as the team begins preparations for the WXV Global Series. Performance director David Nucifora noted that while the organization is disappointed to lose Fukofuka, they fully support his choice and expressed gratitude for the dedication he brought to the women’s rugby programme.
