Former Scotland internationalist Panashe Muzambe has been announced as the new head coach of Heriot’s women for the 2025/2026 season.
Muzambe, who grew up in Harare and Marondera in Zimbabwe and moved to Edinburgh with her family in 2009, has most recently coached at Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Rugby after hanging up her boots following a spell down south with Exeter Chiefs in England’s top flight.
Having previously played basketball, back in the day she took up rugby via Napier University and Watsonians and never looked back, playing for other clubs as well as earning seven caps for her country.
The ex-back-rower/prop, 29, said of her new coaching role at Goldenacre: “I am excited to be joining Heriot’s Rugby Club, there is incredible potential within the women’s squad here.
“I can’t wait to start working with both the management and the players to create a programme that will allow us a lot of opportunities and experiences this season.
“Being part of the changing landscape of the women’s game presents an exciting opportunity for all of us.
“I look forward to contributing to this club and I am excited about developing something special the entire Heriot’s Rugby community can take pride in.”
Heriot’s Rugby Club’s women’s director of rugby Megan Gaffney, herself a former Scotland player, added: “Our growth will continue this season, it is exciting to see the talent that is developing in our playing group and the new faces that have signed up to be part of our squad for the coming season.
“We have been lucky to retain some quality coaches who joined our set up last season and secure an excellent team manager in the shape of Charlotte. Carl, Sarah and Hasan bring different ideas and strengths to the coaching team and will be great supporters for Panashe as she begins her tenure as head coach.
The team manager Gaffney mentions is Charlotte Harrison while the 2024/25 head coach Carl McWilliam will now focus on the backs and attack, Scotland cap 136 Sarah Quick will look after the forwards and contact, Hasan Gurhan Ilter is a forwards coach/development and Melissa Taylor is an S & C consultant.
Edinburgh outfit Heriot’s are in the Arnold Clark Premiership and their first league game of the season is at home to Cartha Queens Park on August 16.
Tickets for Scotland-England at Murrayfield in April 2026 can be purchased here.
Panashe Muzambe is pictured in her Scotland days
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