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Sione Fukofuka Named Wallaroos Head Coach Through 2029 World Cup

Rugby Australia is moving the women's programme to full-time status to prepare the team for the 2029 home Rugby World Cup.

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Superstar Maddison Levi is set for a Test debut as Rugby Australia announce the new Wallaroos coach. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
Desiree Miller running with the ball for the Wallaroos against New Zealand.

Overview

  • Rugby Australia announced Tuesday that Sione Fukofuka has been appointed Wallaroos head coach on a contract running to the end of the 2029 home World Cup and that he will begin the role in 2027.
  • Scottish Rugby said it released Fukofuka on compassionate grounds, expressed surprise at the speed of the appointment, and confirmed a formal release agreement and an agreed fee from Rugby Australia.
  • Rugby Australia named a 2026 transition coaching group of Mike Ruthven, Duncan Chubb, Ben Mowen and Reg Tayler and confirmed interim coaches Sam Needs and Gill Bourke have left the programme.
  • Scotland will be led by forwards coach Dave Butcher on an interim basis for WXV Global Series fixtures in September and October while Fukofuka prepares to take up the Wallaroos role.
  • Fukofuka brings experience as a former Wallaroos assistant and USA head coach and says he returned for family reasons; Rugby Australia intends his long‑term mandate to professionalise the team with at least ten Tests a year through the World Cup cycle.