The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has appointed Scott Bemand as the new Head Coach of the Ireland Women's squad, offering him a three-year contract. He takes over the role previously held by Greg McWilliams.
Scott Bemand, a former professional rugby union player at Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and Bath, joined the England women's set-up in 2015 after retiring from the game. During his time with England, he contributed to six Six Nations titles and saw the team reach the World Cup finals in both 2017 and 2022.
The new coach will start his work with the team on 21 August, preparing them for the inaugural WXV3 campaign in Dubai. The campaign includes matches on 14, 21, and 28 October.
Expressing his enthusiasm, the new head coach said on the IRFU website, "I am proud to join the IRFU at this exciting time for the game in Ireland. It is clear, speaking to the IRFU across the course of the interview process, how ambitious they are to grow the women's game, and I believe that there is a promising talent pool of players who will help create a new chapter for the game here. I look forward to working with the players and coaches and shaping a new path."
We're delighted to announce the appointment of Scott Bemand as the new Ireland Women's XVs Head Coach and Elaine Ryan as the Women’s XV National Teams Programme Manager 🟢#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 27, 2023
Elaine Ryan, IRFU Women's XV National Teams Programme Manager, expressed her belief in the bright future of the women's game in Ireland and her pride in rejoining the IRFU for the exciting challenges ahead. She looks forward to working together with the players and management to achieve their objectives.
"I believe that the future is bright for the women’s game in Ireland and I am proud to rejoin the IRFU as we embark on some exciting challenges in the months ahead. I look forward to working together with the players and management to deliver on our objectives.”
Gillian McDarby, IRFU Head of Women's Performance & Pathways, also expressed delight in Scott's appointment and is confident that he will bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the Ireland coaching set-up. The extensive interview process revealed Scott's strength as a candidate, and he is passionate and focused on driving women's rugby in Ireland forward at all levels in the coming months and years.
"We are delighted to announce Scott’s appointment and believe that he will bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the Ireland coaching set-up. It was clear from the extensive interview process that Scott was a strong candidate and he is passionate and focused on driving women’s rugby in Ireland forward at all levels in the months and years to come."
