Scotland's women have called in a title-winning Ireland coach

Scotland's struggling women's side have successfully completed a coup, convincing 2013 Ireland Grand Slam coach Philip Doyle to take over. 

Doyle comes with a wealth of international experience in the women’s game developed over two spells with the Irish team. He first coached them in 2003 for three years before returned in 2010 to lead them two Six Nations glory three years later.  

He also created history when Ireland defeated New Zealand’s Black Ferns in the pool stages of the 2014 Rugby World Cup, becoming the first Irish international side to beat a New Zealand national team. They reached the semi-finals before finishing in fourth place.

Doyle replaces former Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Shade Munro, who led Scotland from 2015 to March this year where they lost all five matches in the Six Nations, the last by 0-80 against champions England at Twickenham.

Doyle said: “I’m 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’m 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 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’m 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’re at an important moment in the Scotland women’s squad development cycle as we prepare for the World Cup qualification process and I believe Philip has the right experience to be able to take us through this period and compete for a place in the tournament.”

Since stepping down from the Ireland women coaching team in 2014, Doyle has continued to be active in coaching and has had roles at Ulster and Blackrock College.

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