{"id":128183,"date":"2025-09-08T16:56:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T16:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/128183\/"},"modified":"2025-09-08T16:56:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T16:56:08","slug":"eagles-looking-for-new-head-coach-after-world-cup-exit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/128183\/","title":{"rendered":"Eagles looking for new head coach after World Cup exit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sione Fukofuka has announced he is leaving his position as head coach of the USA<\/a> to return home to Australia<\/a> following the completion of the team\u2019s Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup<\/a> 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n

The Eagles only missed out on a quarter-final place on points difference after finishing third in Pool A behind England<\/a> and Australia.<\/p>\n

Having been soundly beaten 69-7 by England in the opening game of the tournament, the Eagles were undefeated in their final two fixtures.<\/p>\n

They drew 31-31 with Australia in a game reckoned to be one of the best in the tournament\u2019s history before romping to a 60-0 win against Samoa<\/a> in what turned out to be Fukofuka\u2019s final game in charge.<\/p>\n

Fukofuka was appointed head coach in November of 2023, having previously worked with Australia, and won five of his 18 matches at the helm.<\/p>\n

Fukofuka said on his decision to step away, \u201cI have been honoured and privileged to lead the USA Women\u2019s Eagles for the past two years into the Rugby World Cup. The staff and players have been a pleasure to work with and have committed countless hours to move the program into a high-performance environment, changing the game on and off the field.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank them for their commitment, their trust in the program and where we were building. I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as head coach and return to Australia to prioritise my family.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis team is special and leaving is hard; however, I am confident the programme is in an exciting position for the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe potential in the current squad and the players coming through the pathway is world-class. I look forward to seeing that potential translate in the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to thank the USA Women\u2019s rugby community for their support during my time as head coach, the USA Sevens programme, along with the many colleges and club programmes I was able to connect with.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe future is bright and the next Rugby World Cup cycle will be an exciting growth of performance built on strong foundations.\u201d<\/p>\n

USA Rugby say the recruitment process for a new head coach will begin immediately.<\/p>\n

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