Scotland Women appoint new assistant coaches for season ahead

Scotland Women have appointed two new assistant coaches ahead of their Autumn Test fixtures.

Scott Forrest, who is currently Scotland Women 7s head coach and a performance manager in the women’s programme will take on assistant coach (defence).

He is joined by Bryan Easson who will take on the assistant coach (attack) position, alongside his coaching role in the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy, based at Edinburgh Napier University.

Both Ciaran Beattie and Peter Jericevich, who previously held the assistant coach positions, continue their respective roles within Scottish Rugby.

Bryan Easson said: ‘I’m looking forward to working with Shade and Scott over an important period of competitive matches with Autumn Tests, Six Nations and a potential World Cup in the future.

“This is a group of players who have undoubtedly made strides in their performances and I hope my experiences with national age grade teams at all levels can help to continue to build on this success.”

Scott Forrest said: “I’m delighted to join the Scotland Women coaching group at what is a very exciting time for women’s rugby in Scotland.

“Having worked with the players on the sevens programme I know how promising the squad is and I’m looking forward to continue to work with the players and staff as we prepare for the 6 Nations and ultimately qualification for WRWC 2021.”

Scotland Women Head Coach Shade Munro said: “It is great to have two coaches of the calibre of Scott and Brian coming into the women’s XVs programme.

“Scott has recent experience working in the women’s game culminating in Scotland 7s finishing 3rd (highest ever finish) in this year’s Grand Prix event in Kazan. Having worked with the 7s group all summer his familiarity with the current players will allow him to hit the ground running as we approach the Autumn Internationals against Italy and Canada.

“Bryan has a wealth of experience both as a professional player and as coach. He has coached at National U20, U18 and U16 as well as being involved at Pro team level with Edinburgh.

“Brian is currently working within the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy where his focus is on skill development. Skill development within the women’s game is paramount to any future successes internationally, so Bryan’s expertise here will be valuable.”

Both Scott and Bryan will join up with Head Coach Shade Munro this coming weekend (October 6/7) for Scotland Women’s first camp of the season at Oriam. A group of 30 players will feature, including first call-ups to the senior squad for Lisa Cockburn (prop) from the DMP Sharks in England and Bryony Nelson from the Scotland Women 7s group.

The next international match for Scotland Women comes against Canada on Tuesday 27 November and is one of three capped Test matches outside of the Women’s Six Nations in the 2018/19 season.

The squad will also travel to Calvisano to play Italy on Sunday 4 November (kick-off 2.30pm) and Spain on Sunday 20 January (kick-off and venue TBC).