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Stuart Hogg's Scotland mentor delivers emotional parting message
By Jon Newcombe
Bryan Easson has shared his career highlights in an emotional message on LinkedIn, announcing that his 26-year association with Scottish Rugby officially came to an end today.
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The 51-year-old, who was an influential figure in Stuart Hogg’s formative years in the Scottish rugby system, as a mentor and a coach, led Scotland Women at Rugby World Cup 2025.
Under him, Scotland reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual champions England, which was the last of his 48 Tests in charge.
Writing on LinkedIn, Easson said: “Today marks the end of my 26-year journey with Scottish Rugby. From leaving Exeter Chiefs through injury to starting out as a Development Officer in the Highlands and Islands back in March 2000, it’s been quite a path.
“Along the way, I’ve been lucky to experience some incredible moments, coaching my first international side in 2002, working with so many talented young players through the Academy system, and receiving the huge honour of Stuart Hogg dedicating his 2021 Lions jersey to me.
“There have been big milestones, reaching a Heineken Cup semi-final with Edinburgh Rugby and more recently, breaking new ground with Scotland Women, rising from 12th to 5th in the world rankings, winning WXV, qualifying for two Rugby World Cups, and reaching a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in 23 years.
“It’s hard to put into words what these years have meant, but one thing is clear: a huge amount of experience and incredible memories are moving on today.
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“I’m proud of what’s been achieved, grateful for the people I’ve worked with, and excited to build on all of this in whatever comes next.”
Easson replaced Phillip Doyle as Scotland Women’s head coach on an interim basis in August 2020, before being appointed on a full-time basis in January 2021 through to 2025.
His first game as coach saw an unfancied Scotland draw 13-13 with France in the delayed Women’s Six Nations match in October 2020.
In addition to that draw, Easson presided over 21 wins and holds the record for the most matches as Scotland’s head coach, having overtaken Shade Munro (25 tests) during WXV 2 2023.
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Before taking on his most recent role, Easson worked with future Scotland captain Hogg as coach of the men’s international age-grade sides, while also serving as Scotland’s backs coach from November 2018.
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