Updates to Scotland Women coaching team ahead of Rugby World Cup

Ross Miller returns to the national setup as Assistant Coach (forwards), replacing Fraser Brown, who concluded his consultancy role with the team at the end of the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. A former Melrose player, Miller brings continuity and familiarity to the squad, having previously worked with the team during the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand (played in 2022).

Most recently, Miller led the Scotland Men U18 team at the Six Nations Festival in April. He rejoined the women’s programme at the start of the current pre-season training block this month.

Joining Miller is Steve Shingler, who takes on the role of Assistant Coach (attack). He will replace Matt Banahan, who has chosen to move on to another coaching opportunity. Shingler arrives on secondment from PWR side Trailfinders Women, where he has served as Assistant Coach for the past season.

A former professional player, Shingler brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience, having represented Scarlets, London Irish, Cardiff, Mont-de-Marsan, and Ealing Trailfinders across a distinguished career as a fly-half and centre.

Scotland Women Head Coach, Bryan Easson said: “I’d like to thank Matt for his contribution to the team, there is no doubt that our attack has kicked on in the two years he has been with us. Whilst it’s disappointing that he won’t be with us for the Rugby World Cup, we respect his decision in choosing an opportunity that is closer to home and wish him all the very best.

“This does now present an exciting opportunity to reset and refresh our coaching team. We’re very grateful to Trailfinders Women for working with us to bring Steve into our environment.

“We welcomed Steve into camp during this year’s Six Nations and we were really impressed by him then. We have several players at Trailfinders, including some of our key attacking players, who have a fantastic relationship with him already and know what he’s about which will give us a smooth transition.

“Ross has bedded back in with us really well, we’ve had a brilliant few weeks as a group with him so far. We’ve worked together for a long time, and he did a great job with us at the last Rugby World Cup. I think he’s a brilliant addition to the group, he knows the players and the players know him which helps too.”

On his move, Matt Banahan said: “I loved my time with Scotland, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach at international level, but the chance to take on a new coaching role closer to home was too good to turn down.

“I’m so proud of what the team has achieved in these last two years, especially their WXV2 title win in 2023. This is a really special group, and I have loved getting to know them as players and people. I wish the team all the very best at the Rugby World Cup and everything else in the future.”