EX FIJI AND WALES COACH, CUNNINGHAM LEAVES FOR SCOTLAND

Ioan Cunningham, a former head coach for Wales and Fiji, has joined the Scotland women's backroom staff.

In his new position as assistant, Cunningham will collaborate closely with Sione Fukofuka, who was named head coach in December. Cunningham guided Fiji to the Rugby World Cup last summer, where they performed well in the same pool as Wales and Scotland.

Before departing by mutual consent in November 2024 amid a dispute over player contracts, he spent three years with his home country of Wales, helping them reach their highest-ever World Rugby ranking of sixth. Cunningham was the head coach of the Wales Under-20s and a forwards coach with the Scarlets before transitioning to the women's game.

"I am really honoured and excited to have the opportunity to work with Scottish Rugby, especially working with the Scotland senior women's team," said Cunningham. "I'm really looking forward to working with such talented players and staff, adding to the continued growth and development of women's rugby in Scotland. I have a personal connection to Scotland as my grandfather was from Kilmarnock, which makes having this opportunity a proud moment for me and my family."