Philip Doyle admits he cannot wait to get started after the former Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam winner was today unveiled as Scotland Women’s new head coach.
Doyle replaces Shade Munro at the helm after Munro departed in March after four years in charge.
The appointment is a huge boost for Scotland, who finished bottom of the 2019 Women’s Six Nations table and without a win.
Doyle previously led Ireland to Grand Slam and Triple Crown glory back in 2013 and has had two separate spells in charge of the women’s game on the Emerald Isle.
He also led Ireland to a fourth-place finish at the 2014 World Cup, including a win over New Zealand, and has more recently been coaching Ulster Women and Blackrock College RFC.
Doyle said: “I am very excited to take on this appointment and look forward to getting stuck in and getting to know the Scottish players.
“We don’t have long in real terms until the World Cup Qualification process begins but I am confident that with some hard work we will have sufficient time to develop further in working towards this objective.”
Doyle’s contract initially runs until the end of the qualification period for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup when both parties will have an opportunity to review the role going forward.
Gemma Fay, head of women and girls rugby at Scottish Rugby, said: “I am delighted we have been able to secure a coach who has the experience and proven record of success in the women’s international game that Philip has.
“We are at an important moment in the Scotland Women squad development cycle as we prepare for the World Cup qualification process and I believe that Philip has the right experience to be able to take us through this period and compete for a place in the tournament.”
Technical director at Scottish Rugby, Stephen Gemmell added: “Given where we are in the performance calendar it was important this group of players could be led and developed by a coach with international experience ahead of the qualification phase of the Rugby World Cup.
“We wanted someone with a proven track record at this level and Philip’s achievements made him the outstanding candidate.”
