The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has admitted that it was “surprised” to learn that Sione Fukofuka is the new coach of Australia rugby just days after releasing him from his contract on compassionate grounds.
Fukofuka’s departure after a short stint as head coach was revealed last week, with Fukofuka citing a desire to be closer to his family having joined Scotland in December of last year.
On Tuesday, though, the Australian was announced as the new boss of the Wallaroos, with the coach set to take up his role in 2027 as they gear up for a home World Cup two years later.
Fukofuka previously served as an assistant with the team from 2021 to 2024, and ends a long search for a permanent successor to Jo Yapp – who departed the Wallaroos at the end of last year’s World Cup and has since been appointed British and Irish Lions coach.
Fukofuka oversaw just five Tests with Scotland, all in the Women’s Six Nations, and the SRU revealed that Rugby Australia will pay compensation after the coach’s return home.
“This is an unusual situation in so far as we released Sione on compassionate grounds a week ago – whilst we always expected Sione to work again and would never wish to hold anyone back, we were surprised to learn of this news so quickly,” the SRU’s statement said.
“We have a release agreement in place with Sione which will allow him to take up his post at the start of 2027, and an agreement in place with Rugby Australia who will pay Scottish Rugby an agreed fee. Our focus is on our new coaching team and our national team ahead of WXV where preparations are going well.”
Forwards coach Dave Butcher will take interim charge of Scotland in their WXV Global Series fixtures in September and October.
Australia, meanwhile, will be overseen for their games in the series by Tim Walsh, director of women’s high performance, before Fukofuka embarks on his role next year. The Wallaroos return to action against New Zealand’s Black Ferns on Saturday 22 August.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Scottish Rugby for their understanding of my family situation and desire to return home to Australia,” Fukofuka said.
“Although a difficult decision to leave the Scottish role, this opportunity allows me to be in Sydney closer to my family. I wish the players and staff all the best for the future.
“I know many of the players and coaches well from my time in the Queensland and Australian systems and, as we transition to a fulltime program this year, the opportunity for growth is enormous.
