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Eagles looking for new head coach after World Cup exit
By Jon Newcombe
Sione Fukofuka has announced he is leaving his position as head coach of the USA to return home to Australia following the completion of the team’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign.
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The Eagles only missed out on a quarter-final place on points difference after finishing third in Pool A behind England and Australia.
Having been soundly beaten 69-7 by England in the opening game of the tournament, the Eagles were undefeated in their final two fixtures.
They drew 31-31 with Australia in a game reckoned to be one of the best in the tournament’s history before romping to a 60-0 win against Samoa in what turned out to be Fukofuka’s final game in charge.
Fukofuka was appointed head coach in November of 2023, having previously worked with Australia, and won five of his 18 matches at the helm.
Fukofuka said on his decision to step away, “I have been honoured and privileged to lead the USA Women’s Eagles for the past two years into the Rugby World Cup. The staff and players have been a pleasure to work with and have committed countless hours to move the program into a high-performance environment, changing the game on and off the field.
“I want to thank them for their commitment, their trust in the program and where we were building. I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as head coach and return to Australia to prioritise my family.
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“This team is special and leaving is hard; however, I am confident the programme is in an exciting position for the future.
“The potential in the current squad and the players coming through the pathway is world-class. I look forward to seeing that potential translate in the future.
“I would like to thank the USA Women’s rugby community for their support during my time as head coach, the USA Sevens programme, along with the many colleges and club programmes I was able to connect with.
“The future is bright and the next Rugby World Cup cycle will be an exciting growth of performance built on strong foundations.”
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USA Rugby say the recruitment process for a new head coach will begin immediately.
