Matt Banahan has been speaking after his two year spell working with Scotland women came to an end.
The former England men’s international, who played for Gloucester and Bath, hung up his boots in 2021 and joined Bryan Easson’s coaching team in 2023 as attack coach ahead of their successful WXV 2 campaign in South Africa.
He has been in post since then, but is now leaving to move on to another coaching opportunity to be replaced by Steve Shingler.
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 WXV 2 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.”
Head coach 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.”
Scotland’s 38-strong extended squad have just finished week three of the pre-World Cup camps.
Tickets for Scotland-England at Murrayfield in April 2026 can be purchased here.
Matt Banahan is pictured
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