Philip “Goose” Doyle

Philip Doyle, known to all as Goose, took over as Head Coach of Scotland Women in April 2019. He kicked off his Scotland tenure with an historic first-ever series win in South Africa, with two convincing wins over the Springboks. He followed this with a win and a close loss against Wales and Japan respectively at Scotstoun in the November of that year.

Ahead of the 2020 Women’s Six Nations, Doyle coached the team to a win against Spain in Almeria. His first Six Nations with Scotland turned out to be a turbulent one due to rescheduled matches from Storm Ciara and the Covid-19 Pandemic, causing the final three matches to be rescheduled.

Doyle left his post at Scottish Rugby in August 2020 due to being required to shield for medical grounds during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Scotland captain, Rachel Malcolm, said: “Goose truly was one of rugby’s special characters… He brought something totally different to Scotland Women, and he made such an impact on so many of our careers. I will forever be grateful to him for putting his faith in me as captain for the first time and I look back on our time working together very fondly.

“We were lucky to get to know Goose’s lovely family during his time with us, as they often traveled to support us, and right now our thoughts are with them all.”

Doyle came to Scotland with a wealth of international experience in the women’s game developed over two spells with the Irish team which saw a Grand Slam achieved in 2013 and qualification to the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

He first coached the Ireland Women’s National team in 2003 for three years.

He returned as Head Coach in 2010 and led the team to its first Women’s Six Nations title, achieving a Grand Slam and Triple Crown in the process, in 2013.

Philip also created history when Ireland Women defeated the NZ Black Ferns in the pool stages of the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, becoming the first Irish international side to beat a New Zealand national team. They reached the semi-finals before finishing in fourth place.

Scottish Rugby extends its sincere condolences to all Goose’s family and friends.