Scotland head coach leaves role due to ‘stress and strain’ on family
Sione Fukofuka has been released from his position as Scotland head coach on “compassionate grounds”.
The Australian will return to his homeland to be reunited with his family after taking charge of Scotland late last year and leading them through one Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign.
Forwards coach Dave Butcher will take interim charge and lead Scotland into the WXV Global Series in September and October, when they take on Canada and New Zealand before facing Australia three times.
Fukofuka said: “I’ve had to make probably the hardest professional decision of my life to step away from the role as head coach.
“I approached Scottish Rugby and asked for a release from my contract under compassionate grounds. Effectively, the stress and the strain on my family, who are back in Australia away from me, proved too much to continue and to do this role the way it should be (done).
“With the time back home in Australia over the summer, it was able to give me a lot more insight into the sacrifices that they’re making, on top of those that I make as well.
“We also had a change in circumstances where, unfortunately, my wife’s parents are unwell, so that means the family relocating in the 12-month plan that we had is not feasible anymore.
“I can’t be away from my family for that amount of time and do the job the way it should be done.”
The former Australia Women assistant coach and United States Women head coach thanked his employers for understanding his situation.
“There has been an understanding that aside from being a rugby coach, I’m also a father and a husband, and the impact that has on both my family but also on myself,” the 42-year-old added.
“Being here in Scotland has been amazing, I’ve loved every minute of living here and have really appreciated the opportunity, but not having my family with me and being able to share those experiences with them has been really tough.
“Our boys are quite young and are missing out on that support when I’m not there.”
Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora said: “I would like to thank Sione for his contribution to Scottish Rugby and whilst we are disappointed to see him depart, we fully respect and understand the reasons why he has made this decision.
“Our priority remains supporting the women’s national team and women’s programme players and staff during this period, with work being done to ensure appropriate structures are in place ahead of WXV Global Series along with long term recruitment conversations.”
PA
