Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Brian Easson appointed full-time head coach of Scotland Women

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From the post of assistant Easson had taken over as interim head when Phillip Doyle was unable to continue in post as he was sheltering.

Easson has had only a single match in charge, but that was the remarkable 13-13 draw against France at Scotstoun. He has obviously made a most favourable impression on the SRU and his players.

What is left unsaid is Doyle’s position. We must assume that he saw no immediate prospect of being able to take up the reins again, and with time passing and the pandemic refusing to release its grip, a decisive step had to be taken.

That single game had its intriguing side. France had taken 50 points off Wales in Cardiff and were intent on repeating the performance in this match. But their 10-point lead crumbled as they suffered a self-inflicted wound – using up all their bench, then losing another player to injury. So Scotland’s comeback score was gained against fourteen players. But it needed an outstanding conversion by Helen Nelson to bring the scores level.

On such narrow margins can a career depend. We can only hope that Scotland will be able to prosper under Easson’s guidance.