The SRU has appointed Sione Fukofuka as the new head coach.
This move has some intriguing features:
Fukofuka announced his decision to stand down from a similar post in the USA at the end of the World Cup. He cited a wish to return to his family in Australia. He had been in charge of the Eagles since November 2023.
So his time back home is likely to prove brief.
Bryan Easson, his predecessor, had held the post for six years and before that various other positions within the SRU across two decades. He felt it was time for a change, not least for his players.
From the Union’s perspective we can extract the following:
a. It was sensible to choose a person with experience of running a side at the same level.
b. Reports from the USA spoke of the good work Fukofuka had put in, and the beneficial effect he had on the Eagles.
c. The SRU were quite unable to find a woman matching their high demands. Of the ten top-ranked nations not one is now in the hands of a woman. Jo Yapp stood down as head of the Wallaroos and Gaelle Mignot was ousted by the French Federation, along with her co-coach, David Ortiz.
d. This news leaves one major post to be filled, leading the Black Ferns.
e. World Rugby’s stated wish to bring more women into positions of power, especially on the coaching front, receives another slap in the face.
f. Once again a national union has found it impossible to appoint a compatriot.
The Outlook
Fukofuka will now face a different set of hurdles. He moves to a far smaller country with a player depth not capable of the massive expansion we may yet see in the States.
As before, most of his major players will be operating abroad, but now they will be much closer to his future base in Edinburgh.
He does not take up post till next month, which means he is unlikely to see first-hand the Celtic Challenge which starts as soon as 20 December.
First he must acquire a visa. That should prove less troublesome than in certain other countries, but it reduces the time he has available to get to know his new squad. And especially the next generation who will be on show in the CC.
Though the English PWR enjoys a break till the end of January, it will take some negotiating for him to see contracted Scots performing soon. There are six of them at Loughborough Lightning alone.
Ever Upward
Starting from a low base Scotland’s fortunes have risen under Easson’s tutelage. They reached an all-time high of fifth in world rankings, enjoyed an unparalleled run of seven unbeaten games, and reached a far higher proportion of wins than ever before.
It is vital, not only for national wellbeing, but for the Six Nations, that Scotland continue their advance.
Both they and the USA had their good moments at the World Cup. It’s now up to Fukofuka to ensure that the Scots maintain their advance.
