IRFU appoint Scott Bemand as women's XV head coach

Scott Bemand has been appointed head coach of the Ireland women's XV, with the Englishman agreeing a three-year contract with the IRFU.

The former Harlequins, Leicester and Bath scrum-half takes over the role from Greg McWilliams, who left after just 18 months in charge following the 2023 Six Nations.

Bemand has been part of the England women's set-up since 2015, helping the Red Roses to six Six Nations titles, as well as reaching World Cup finals in 2017 and 2022.

"I am proud to join the IRFU at this exciting time for the game in Ireland," the new head coach said.

"It is clear speaking to the IRFU across the course of the interview process how ambitious they are to grow the women's game and I believe that there is a promising talent pool of players who will help create a new chapter for the game here.

"I look forward to working with the players and coaches and shaping a new path."

Bemand will officially start on 21 August ahead of the Irish squad regathering to prepare for the inaugural WXV3 campaign in Dubai, which includes matches on 14, 21 and 28 October.

The IRFU have confirmed that the existing management team will remain in place, with senior coach John McKee and assistants Niamh Briggs and Denis Fogarty to work alongside him.

The 44-year-old will be tasked with picking an inexperienced Ireland side up after several years of decline, which saw them miss out on qualification for last year's World Cup in New Zealand, before a Six Nations wooden spoon in 2023 left them in the bottom tier of the new WXV competition.

One of his first tasks will be appointing a new captain after the retirement of Nichola Fryday last week. The second row had been Ireland's most experienced Test player in their 2023 Six Nations squad, and