Scotland Women announce new forwards coach ahead of Six Nations

Scottish Rugby has confirmed the appointment of Dave Butcher as Forwards Coach for Scotland Women ahead of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Most recently, Butcher served as assistant coach (forwards) with Canada Women who reached the Rugby World Cup final in 2025. The 56-year-old has established a strong reputation as a specialist in the set piece having coached across men’s and women’s international and professional environments for over 20 years.

Speaking on the announcement, Butcher said: “I’m hugely excited to join Scotland Women and return to Scottish Rugby. This is a programme with clear ambition and enormous potential, and I cannot wait to contribute to it. I’m really looking forward to working with Sione (Fukofuka), Ioan (Cunningham), the wider management team and of course the players, starting with the upcoming Six Nations.”

Scotland Women Head Coach Fukofuka said: “I am delighted to welcome Dave to the programme as our Forwards Coach. The experience that he brings from coaching at the highest level will really allow us to harness the power of an already incredibly strong forward pack. Dave’s knowledge and detail will be a major asset for our programme as we continue to raise standards and accelerate the programme.”