Easson to leave Scotland after women's World Cup

Bryan Easson has been Scotland women head coach since 2020

Bryan Easson will step down as Scotland head coach following this year's women's World Cup.

Easson is to depart after 25 years working in different roles at Scottish Rugby and described leading the women's team as "the greatest honour of my coaching career".

He said: "During my time as head coach, this team has grown immensely, rising from 11th in the world to an all-time high of fifth, and now proudly ranked seventh.

"We've experienced unforgettable highs: qualifying for two World Cups, winning WXV2 and competing with the best in the world. These moments are etched in our collective memory."

Easson was appointed head coach in December 2020 following an interim period in the post.

"We've also faced real challenges, tough results, setbacks, and times when belief was tested," he added. "None of it, the resilience, the progress, or the success would have been possible without an exceptional group of players and colleagues who showed remarkable strength, unity and character throughout the journey.

"In 2022, we reached a historic milestone with the introduction of professional contracts for the women's team, a landmark step that speaks to how far the game has come.

"I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in that progress and in building a foundation for the future. While the achievements belong to the group, I take pride in having led this chapter. I've always believed in leaving the jersey in a better place and I hope that's what I've done."

CEO Alex Williamson said Easson leading Scotland at the World Cup was "a fitting swansong to his many achievements as the coach of the national team".