Bryan Easson has announced his decision to leave Scottish Rugby and his role as women’s national team head coach at the end of the upcoming Rugby World Cup tournament.
The news comes just after the 38-strong extended training squad for the showpiece met back up again after 10 days or so downtime following five weeks of training.
They are now preparing for Summer Tests away in Italy on July 25 and away to Ireland on August 2 before the head coach names his 32-player squad for the World Cup soon after that.
Their first game at the tournament is against Wales on August 23 in Manchester.
Easson, 51, has decided this was the right time to take on a new challenge, having spent 25 years working across a number of high-performance roles with the organisation.
He was appointed to the Scotland women’s head coach role full-time in December 2020 after leading the team as interim head coach since August that year.
They have won 19, lost 22 and drawn one game so far in that period with highs being the WXV 2 title win in 2023 and the record breaking seven wins in a row during 2023 and 2024.
The news comes after Fraser Brown and Matt Banahan both left the coaching set up in recent months.
Speaking on his decision, Easson said: “It has been the greatest honour of my coaching career to lead the Scotland women’s national team through one of the most significant and inspiring periods in its history.
“During my time as head coach, this team has grown immensely, rising from 11th in the world to an all-time high of fifth and now proudly ranked seventh.
“We’ve experienced unforgettable highs: qualifying for two Rugby World Cups, winning WXV 2, and competing with the best in the world. These moments are etched in our collective memory.
“We’ve also faced real challenges, tough results, setbacks and times when belief was tested. None of it, the resilience, the progress, or the success would have been possible without an exceptional group of players and colleagues who showed remarkable strength, unity and character throughout the journey.
“I want to especially acknowledge Tyrone Holmes [defence coach], Ellen Dickson [team manager] and captain Rachel Malcolm, the three constants who’ve been by my side throughout. Their leadership, dedication and belief have been instrumental.
“In 2022, we reached a historic milestone with the introduction of professional contracts for the women’s team, a landmark step that speaks to how far the game has come. I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in that progress and in building a foundation for the future.
“While the achievements belong to the group, I take pride in having led this chapter. I’ve always believed in leaving the jersey in a better place and I hope that’s what I’ve done.
“To every player, coach and colleague I’ve had the privilege to work alongside ‘thank you’.”
Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson said: “Bryan will take the Scotland squad to the World Cup in August as a fitting swansong to his many achievements as the coach of the national team and on behalf of everyone at Scottish Rugby we wish him success in England and also thank him for everything he has contributed to our sport over 25 years.”
The process of recruiting a new head coach will commence shortly, say the governing body.
Tickets for Scotland-England at Murrayfield in April 2026 can be purchased here.
Bryan Easson is pictured celebrating the 2023 WXV 2 win in South Africa with skipper Rachel Malcolm
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