Scotland Women head coach Sione Fukofuka has stepped down from his role, citing the emotional toll of being separated from his family in Australia.
Forwards coach Dave Butcher will take charge on an interim basis as Scotland prepare for the upcoming WXV Global Series.
Fukofuka, who coached the United States women's team between 2023 and 2025, was appointed Scotland head coach late last year and guided the side through the 2026 Women's Six Nations.
"I've had to make probably the hardest professional decision of my life to step away from the role," Fukofuka told the Scottish Rugby website.
He revealed that prolonged separation from his family, coupled with changing personal circumstances, made it impossible for him to continue in the position.
"Effectively, the stress and the strain on my family, who are back in Australia away from me, proved too much to continue to go on and to do this role the way it should be," he said.
"With the time back home in Australia over the summer, it gave me much more insight into the sacrifices they're making, on top of those that I make as well.
"We also had a change in circumstances where, unfortunately, my wife's parents are unwell, meaning the family's planned relocation within the next 12 months is no longer feasible.
"I can't be away from my family for that amount of time and do the job the way it should be done."
Fukofuka stressed that his decision was driven entirely by family considerations and not by any issues within Scottish Rugby or its women's programme.
"That is what made it so hard. It's everything to do with what my family are sacrificing and what I'm missing out on by not being at home as a father and a husband," he said.
"Being here in Scotland has been amazing. I've loved every minute of living here and have really appreciated the opportunity, but not having my family with me to share those experiences has been really tough.
"Our boys are still quite young and are missing out on that support when I'm not there."
Scotland's next fixture is against Canada in six weeks, with Fukofuka expressing confidence that Butcher is the right person to lead the team.
"Dave is a first-class individual, and I know he'll do an outstanding job," he said.
Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora thanked Fukofuka for his contribution while expressing understanding over his decision.
"Whilst we are disappointed to see him depart, we fully respect and understand the reasons why he has made this decision," Nucifora said.
"During his time in the role, Sione showed great passion and commitment to the national team and the wider women's programme at Scottish Rugby."
