News & Features International Scotland Women

Josie Symonds appointed Head of Athletic Performance for inaugural Women’s British & Irish Lions tour

20 Oct 2026

Scottish Rugby can today confirm that Scotland Women's Head of Athletic Performance Josie Symonds has been appointed in the same role for the inaugural Women's British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2027.

Symonds has become a key member of the women’s national team management staff since she joined Scottish Rugby ahead of the 2024 Six Nations. She has now worked with the national team across three editions of that competition, WXV2 in 2024 in South Africa, a Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025 and in the current WXV Global Series campaign.

She arrived having previously served as strength and conditioning (S&C) coach for Worcester Warriors Men’s team and Head of Performance for Worcester Warriors Women, with her last role before moving Scottish Rugby being with Exeter Chiefs Women where she led their S&C programme.

Symonds will join Women’s British & Irish Lions Head Coach Jo Yapp’s staff on secondment from January 2027 until the conclusion of the tour in October next year.

On being appointed as Head of Athletic Performance for the Women’s British & Irish Lions, Josie Symonds, said: “I’m incredibly excited to take on this role with the British & Irish Lions, and feel hugely honoured to play a pivotal part in such a historic moment for women’s rugby, as well as representing Scotland on such a prestigious tour.

“I’m grateful to Scottish Rugby for allowing me to take up this a lifetime opportunity to work with the best players from the home nations, as well as working closely with Jo and what will undoubtedly be a group of exceptional practitioners behind the scenes.”

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways, Andy Rhys Jones, added: “We are incredibly proud to see Josie join the British & Irish Lions staff for their inaugural Women’s Tour next year.

“It is a fantastic milestone for the women’s game and a significant moment for rugby, and having someone from within Scottish Rugby involved in such a historic occasion is something we are incredibly proud of.

“Josie’s appointment is well-deserved recognition of the contribution she has made to the Scotland Women national team, and we wish her every success on what promises to be a landmark Tour for women’s rugby.”

Watch Josie in action as she put Scotland Women to work earlier this summer in pre-season ahead of the WXV Global Series: