Dave Butcher confirmed as Scotland Women head coach after interim spell at WXV Global Series

Scottish Rugby have confirmed Dave Butcher as the permanent head coach of Scotland Women, ending his interim tenure following the WXV Global Series campaign.

Butcher joined the Scotland setup at the start of 2026 as an assistant coach under Sione Fukofuka. When the Australian departed, Butcher was elevated to interim head coach for an autumn series that yielded no wins across five WXV Global Series fixtures — including defeats to Canada, the Black Ferns, and three losses to the Wallaroos.

His appointment to the role on a full-time basis comes after a coaching career that included helping Canada prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. He had also previously worked within Scottish Rugby’s age-grade and development structures before returning to the union.

“It is fantastic to be named the head coach of Scotland Women,” Butcher said. “During my time in the role on an interim basis, I saw the work that was being done by Andy Rhys Jones and the vision from David Nucifora, and I knew I could add to it and wanted to be a part of driving that long-term.”

Butcher outlined a clear focus on connecting the national team with the pathways beneath it. “We can’t be a standalone team without connection beneath us, so our immediate priority will be to review WXV and connect with the players, but going forward we want to be really intentional about how we go after our talent,” he said.

His coaching staff is already taking shape. Chris Laidlaw has officially joined the union after his secondment from Harlequins concluded, and Scottish Rugby have begun recruiting a full-time backs and attack coach — a role Bristol Bears assistant Tom Luke filled on secondment during the WXV Global Series.

Andy Rhys Jones, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways, backed the decision. “Dave brings real quality as a coach, alongside the personal values and understanding of the culture needed to get the best out of players and staff,” he said. “His appointment provides continuity and alignment as we work together to build a strong national team environment and achieve sustained progress and success.”