New Coach for Scotland Women

Scottish Rugby today announced the appointment of Gary Parker as the new Scotland Women’s head coach.

A former player with Melrose and Scotland A, and coach with Gala, Melrose and Biggar, Parker was also head coach of the Scotland Club International side in 2006.

Parker said: “I’ve been keen to get into a challenging coaching role since moving on from being coach at Gala. Being involved with Scotland Women in a season that not only features a 6 Nations championship but also a Rugby World Cup will certainly test me as a coach in an environment that’s entirely new.

“As a local director with Royal Bank of Scotland, I’ve been involved on a daily basis with managing people and building teams, experience that I’m sure will be invaluable in this new role.”

Parker, who will be assisted by Hamilton development officer, Jared Tuoro, as they aim to build on the 2010 World Cup qualification achieved earlier this year at the FIRA European Championships, took the opportunity to announce both the Scotland Women and Scotland Women A squads for their respective training camps this Autumn.

Some 33 players have been selected to join the Scotland camp with 18 allocated to Scotland A.

Following a November camp, a Scotland squad will be selected to play Ireland in a training match on Sunday 20 December in Belfast. A further selection will be made, drawing from both squads, building towards the 2010 6 Nations and a series of Scotland A fixtures in the new year.

Instrumental in the initial selection of both sides has been the new Scottish Regional Series, played during September and October. Created to provide performance players with an opportunity to play at more competitive level, the three games bridged the gap between club and international rugby.

Outgoing Scotland Women head coach, Jamie Dempsey, worked as a Scottish Rugby development officer for six years prior to taking up the full-time post and is credited with making a significant contribution to the squad’s progress over the last season.

Scottish Rugby’s head of community rugby, Colin Thomson, said: “Due to increased work and coaching commitments Jamie Dempsey has decided to step down from his position as head coach to the national women’s team.

“Scottish Rugby thanks Jamie for his contribution to that team in ensuring qualification for next year’s IRB Women’s World Cup in England.”