The former interim coach takes the permanent role after five defeats in five WXV Global Series matches, with a campaign review and stronger links to player-development programmes his priorities.
Scottish Rugby confirmed on 29 October 2026 that Dave Butcher had been appointed Scotland Women’s permanent head coach. He held the role on an interim basis through the team’s winless WXV Global Series campaign. His immediate priorities are to review that campaign and reconnect with the players.
Butcher joined Scotland’s staff as forwards coach in February 2026. Scottish Rugby announced his interim appointment on 3 August after Sione Fukofuka left to return to Australia for family and personal reasons. Fukofuka said he had requested release from his contract on compassionate grounds.
Scotland lost all five matches in the WXV Global Series under Butcher.
| Opponent | Defeats |
|---|---|
| Canada | 1 |
| New Zealand | 1 |
| Australia | 3 |
Before returning to Scotland, Butcher was Canada’s assistant coach for forwards when the team reached the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final. He had previously worked in Scottish Rugby’s men’s age-group and player-development programmes, including talent identification.
Scottish Rugby said it chose Butcher after a thorough recruitment process, citing his coaching quality, technical experience, understanding of Scottish rugby and long-term vision. Performance director David Nucifora said Butcher demonstrated the coaching and leadership qualities the union sought, and that his international experience and collaborative approach gave it confidence in him.
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Captain Rachel Malcolm also praised Butcher’s impact during his interim spell. Speaking to The Scotsman in an article published on 11 October, she said they had worked together to improve the team environment and described him as a coach the players wanted to play and win for.
Beyond the campaign review, Butcher wants stronger links from the National Talent Pathway, National Academy and Celtic Challenge into the senior team. He said the national side could not operate on its own without connections to the development structures beneath it, and called for a more deliberate approach to finding and developing players.
Andy Rhys Jones, Scottish Rugby’s head of women’s performance and pathways, said the appointment offered continuity and that closer work between the national team and the wider development system would help prepare players to succeed at international level.
Chris Laidlaw has joined permanently as an assistant coach after his temporary assignment during WXV. Tom Luke filled the backs and attack role temporarily during the campaign, RugbyPass said.
Scottish Rugby said in its 29 October announcement that recruitment of a full-time assistant coach for backs and attack would begin soon.
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