Following the recent announcement that Scotland will be launching a Women’s team with a view to taking part in the 2021 Emerging Nations World Cup, a series of interviews have been taking place with a wide range of high quality candidates. Interest for the coaching roles came from as far as Australia and New Zealand.

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea Dobson as the first Head Coach of the Scotland Women’s squad.

Former England International Dobson retired from International competitions in June 2019 having captained England at the 2017 World Cup and earned a record 24 caps.

Dobson had this to say of her appointment:

I’m really looking forward to being involved, it’s a great opportunity to pioneer and shape the future of women’s rugby league in Scotland where there is nothing currently in place. The chance to guide the team to an emerging nations competition is exciting and a challenge I’m looking forward to.

Joining Dobson in the coaching team is Women’s Super League Assistant Coach at York City Knights Ladies Kay Rollinson and Team Manager Victoria Curwen.

Rollinson is looking forward to taking on a new challenge and said:

I’m delighted to be assistant coach to Andrea for the inaugural Scotland women’s national team. Rugby league has been my life for well over 25 years and having been assistant coach at York City Knights Ladies for the last 2 years I felt that taking this opportunity would enhance my coaching ability as I want to be the best I possibly can.

Rollinson continued:

I look forward to working with the players coaching team and backroom staff over the coming months to put Scottish women’s rugby league on the international Map.

Ollie Cruikshank, Operations Director said:

This is an exciting time for Scotland Rugby League as we look to build towards the 2021 Emerging Nations World Cup. We are delighted to announce the appointments of Andrea, Kay and Victoria and we are all looking forward to working with them over the next 12 months. As part of our current strategy developing women’s rugby league is an important part of our agenda to increase the opportunities to play rugby league in Scotland. With the recent announcement of the European Championships in 2023 and the chance to take part in the 2021 Emerging Nations World Cup it is an exciting time to be launching a women’s team.

On the back of this announcement we will be working with our clubs and any potential new clubs to look to launch domestic women’s rugby league in 2020.