Banahan leaves before World Cup as Scotland add two coaches

Matt Banahan has departed his Scotland role for an opportunity elsewhere

Assistant coach Matt Banahan has left Scotland two months before the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Head coach Bryan Easson admitted he is "disappointed" at the exit of Banahan - who has moved on to another coaching opportunity - but thanked him for "kicking on" the attack team during his tenure.

Ross Miller, who worked with the squad during the 2021 World Cup, and Steve Shingler have been appointed as assistant coaches.

Miller most recently led the Scotland men's Under-18 team at the Six Nations and rejoined the women's programme earlier this month.

Former Scarlets fly-half Shingler joins on secondment from PWR side Trailfinders, where he has been assistant coach for the past season.

Fomer England winger Banahan said he is "incredibly grateful" for his spell with Scotland but said the chance of a new coaching role "closer to home was too good to turn down".

Easson said: "This does now present an exciting opportunity to reset and refresh our coaching team.

"We welcomed Steve into camp during this year's Six Nations and we were really impressed by him then.

"We have several players at Trailfinders, including some of our key attacking players, who have a fantastic relationship with him already and know what he's about which will give us a smooth transition.

"Ross has bedded back in with us really well, we've had a brilliant few weeks as a group with him so far. We've worked together for a long time, and he did a great job with us at the last Rugby World Cup.

"I think he's a brilliant addition to the group, he knows the players and the players know him which helps too."