Wallaroos Head Coach Set To Depart Post World Cup

By Laban Kiptoo

Australian women's rugby head coach Jo Yapp will step down from her position after the Women’s World Cup in September.

“Jo has made a positive impact for us for the last 18 months, and we wish her and the family all the best for the future. Her tenure has sparked growth in women’s rugby in Australia; credit to Jo and the staff,” Head of High Performance Peter Home said in a statement.

Yapp was appointed in December 2023. The former England captain led Australia to its inaugural trophy, the WXV2 title, in October, securing its World Cup berth.

Yapp stated that the decision was difficult but driven by a commitment to her family, who will be returning to the UK.

“ This was a difficult decision, as I always enjoy coaching this team, but my family always comes first considering future plans and also the decision to return to the UK once the contract expires,” Yapp said in a club statement.

She expressed pride in the Wallaroos' progress over the past 18 months, during which the team has won five of their last seven games, including a record four consecutive victories.

“My family and I are very grateful for the opportunities we’ve had in Australia, and I am proud of the Wallaroos growth over the past 18 months,” Yapp said in a statement.

Yapp is the first female head coach of the Australian women’s rugby team. Prior to joining the Wallaroos, she was the England women's back coach in the 2015 Women’s Six Nations Championship.

Yapp, a former scrum half, earned 70 caps for England and participated in three World Cups as a player. The World Cup in England is scheduled for August 22-September 27.