Scott Bemand has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Ireland Women's XV on a three-year contract.
Bemand had a playing career at Harlequins, Leicester Tigers and Bath. The 44-year-old embarked on his coaching career after retirement.
Whereas, in May 2015. The Englishman was appointed lead coach of the England Women XVs team, working alongside Simon Middleton. Bemand initially held a joint role with the sevens team.
Bemand was part of the coaching set-up as England finished runners-up at the 2017 and 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cups. During his time as England’s Lead Coach, the Red Roses won six, Six Nations titles (including five Grand Slams) and achieved the number one world ranking.
We're delighted to announce the appointment of Scott Bemand as the new Ireland Women's XVs Head Coach and Elaine Ryan as the Women’s XV National Teams Programme Manager 🟢#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 27, 2023
"I am proud to join the IRFU at this exciting time for the game in Ireland” said Bemand. “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 join the IRFU on 21 August ahead of the Ireland squad’s reconvening in September. Bemand will be in place ahead of the start of Ireland’s WXV3 campaign in Dubai, which includes matches on 14, 21 and 28 October (fixtures TBC). He will be joined by the existing coaching panel for the coming campaign.
