USA Rugby has hired former Australia Assistant Coach Sione Fukofuka as Had Coach of the USA Women's 15s Head Coach.
Over 90 candidates applied for this job.
Sione Fukofuka comes to USA Rugby having spent the last three years as an Assistant Coach with Rugby Australia and the Wallaroos, helping them to a record-high finish at Rugby World Cup 2021, and qualification to the inaugural WXV1. More than that, the Wallaroos are in many ways a program that parallels the USA in many ways. But on the high performance level Australia has been able to leverage their talent slightly better over the last few years/
Fukofuka will relocate to the United States in 2023, beginning with an eye on next year’s Pacific Four Series and Rugby World Cup qualification.
“Sione brings with him a wealth of experience and a desire to lead a program that is highly engaged and intent on driving a positive high performance culture," said USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard. "We’re excited to work alongside him in creating a program that connects the players and staff, elevates the caliber of performance and builds an all-in campaign towards Rugby World Cup 2025.”
“I was drawn to this opportunity as I see the huge potential in the program," addec Fukofuka. "Having coached against the team, there are some key qualities that stand out and it is those qualities that have driven the USA to the top three in the world before and has the potential to again return the team to that position. The players are athletic, physical and love the combative nature of the game. The opportunity to build on this platform and reconnect the team to its identity is something that excited me about this head coaching role.”
Fukofuka spent 2023 as an Assistant Coach with the Queensland Reds in the newly launched Super W competition. Prior to that, he served as Director of Rugby for Canterbury College, leading them to an undefeated season in 2020, as well as Sevens Program Director for Brisbane State High School, leading them to four premiership titles. Fukofuka’s experience across multiple levels of rugby in a development landscape similar to the United States will be a welcomed experience for the Women’s Eagles program.