USA Women’s head coach Sione Fukofuka has stepped down following the team’s pool stage exit at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, narrowly missing out on progression due to points difference.
Appointed in November 2023 after previous coaching stints with Australia and the Queensland Reds, Fukofuka guided the Eagles through qualification and oversaw a period of significant growth in professionalism and performance standards within the squad.
Announcing his decision, Fukofuka explained that he and his family would return to Australia after the World Cup. “I have been honoured and privileged to lead the USA Women’s Eagles into the Rugby World Cup,” he said. “The staff and players have been a pleasure to work with, committing countless hours to transform the program into a high-performance environment.”
He expressed gratitude to his players, staff, and supporters, while also acknowledging the difficulty of stepping aside. “I’ve made the tough decision to step down to prioritise my family. This team is special, and leaving is hard, but I’m confident the program is in a strong position for the future.”