Fukofuka Steps Down as USA Women's Eagles Head Coach After Two-Year Tenure
Fukofuka Steps Down as USA Women's Eagles Head Coach After Two-Year Tenure
Sione Fukofuka steps down as USA Women’s Eagles head coach after two years, citing family priorities, leaving a program stronger and World Cup ready.
USA Rugby announced Monday that Sione Fukofuka will step away from his role as head coach of the Women’s Eagles, closing a two-year tenure that oversaw World Cup qualification and raised the program’s professional standards.
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Fukofuka, who was appointed in November 2023, confirmed he and his family will return to Australia following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup campaign in England.
“I have been honoured and privileged to lead the USA Women’s Eagles for the past two years into the Rugby World Cup,” Fukofuka said. “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.”
During his time in charge, the Eagles secured qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2025 and made significant strides in the High Performance Pathway. Fukofuka is credited with helping to re-energise the women’s game in the U.S., setting higher standards for training, player preparation and program development.
He acknowledged the difficulty of stepping away, citing family priorities as the deciding factor.
“This team is special and leaving is hard; however, I am confident the program is in an exciting position for the future,” Fukofuka said. “The 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.”
Tamara Sheppard, USA Rugby’s General Manager of High Performance, praised Fukofuka’s influence on and off the field.
“We want to thank Sione for his unwavering commitment and leadership over the past two years,” Sheppard said. “He lifted the standards across our entire program, instilling a culture of excellence, accountability, and hard work. His impact will be felt for years to come, and we wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”
USA Rugby confirmed the search for a new head coach will begin immediately. With the Women’s Eagles on a competition hiatus for the remainder of 2025, the first team assemblies under new leadership are expected in early 2026.
Fukofuka departs with the admiration of players, staff and the wider women’s rugby community, leaving behind a program that appears better positioned to compete on the global stage.
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