Sione Fukofuka named Wallaroos head coach

Rugby Australia has appointed Sione Fukofuka as Wallaroos head coach through to the 2029 Rugby World Cup, with the Australian coach set to officially take charge in 2027.

A transitional coaching group will lead the national side for the remainder of 2026 before Fukofuka begins his tenure.

Sione Fukofuka Returns to Wallaroos

Fukofuka returns to Australian rugby after several years working overseas. He previously served as an assistant coach with the Wallaroos from 2021, including at the 2022 Rugby World Cup, before becoming head coach of the USA women’s national team in 2023.

He later joined Scotland Women as head coach ahead of the 2026 season but stepped away from the position in August to return to Australia for family reasons.

Fukofuka said the opportunity to return home while leading the Wallaroos represented an exciting challenge as the programme moves towards full-time status.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Scottish Rugby for their understanding of my family situation and desire to return home to Australia," he said in a statement.

“Although a difficult decision to leave the Scottish role, this opportunity allows me to be in Sydney closer to my family. I wish the players and staff all the best for the future.

“I know many of the players and coaches well from my time in the Queensland and Australian systems and, as we transition to a fulltime program this year, the opportunity for growth is enormous".

Wallaroos Name Transitional Coaching Group

Until Fukofuka officially takes charge, Olympic gold medal-winning coach Tim Walsh will lead an experienced transitional coaching team.

The group includes Super Rugby Women’s-winning coach Mike Ruthven, Australian Sevens coach Reg Tayler, former Wallaby and Brumbies assistant Ben Mowen and Waratahs assistant Duncan Chubb.

They will guide the Wallaroos through the remainder of their 2026 programme, including the O’Reilly Cup and WXV Global Series.

Australia Build Towards 2029 Rugby World Cup

Fukofuka’s appointment forms part of Rugby Australia’s longer-term plan for the women’s programme ahead of the home Rugby World Cup in 2029.

A major focus will be creating greater alignment between Australia’s sevens and 15-a-side programmes while developing stronger player and coaching pathways.

The Wallaroos are also transitioning towards a full-time programme with an expanded Test schedule during the next World Cup cycle.