'Conversations': Scotland interim head coach reveals permanent job talks but focus is on Australia

The former forwards coach was thrust into the role following the surprise resignation of Sione Fukofuka in August. The Australian left the job ahead of their matches against Canada, New Zealand and the Wallaroos at the Hive and went on to accept a position with his home union shortly after.

It has left Scottish Rugby once again looking for the right man or woman to lead the team going forward. It could very well end up being Butcher, but his sole focus right now is on their trip Down Under, having named his squad for the Test match double header.

“We've had chats about it” - Scotland interim head coach putting job talk on the backburner until after Australia trip

He said: “Of course we've had conversations about it, but it's pretty hard to nail anything down when your priority is the next two games. We've had chats about it, but the focus now is on the immediate and then after the WXV, that's when we can look at that in a little bit more detail.”

The 32-player squad that will travel to Australia this week has been named and is made up of 18 forwards and 14 backs. Lucia Scott returns to the squad following an injury that ruled her out of the home series whilst Rachel Philipps, who missed the final home match against Australia, is fit to return after overcoming concussion protocols.

Forwards Emma Wassell and Alex Stewart – who were named in the original 32-player squad for the home fixtures – were unavailable for selection due to injury. Ceitidh Ainsworth and Katie Buchanan, both debuted in the past month, are both included, with Imogen Spence (tighthead prop) and Nicole Flynn (centre) the only uncapped members of the touring party.

This is the first time Butcher has named a squad, with Fukofuka having selected the players who he coached in their last three fixtures. He explained some of his choice and gave a poignant response when asked if it now felt like “his team”.

“I'd never call it our squad,” said Butcher. “It's our squad, it's the players first and foremost, I'm just there, pointing the direction and blowing the whistle, and everyone has to step into it.

“It's great hearing Rachel [Malcolm] and the players, when they come to us saying that they feel like we’re starting to get our identity on the field, because that's what everything signposts towards.

“We align everything into how we play on the field, and how we play as a Scotland team, so do I feel like we're moving towards being how we want our identities as a Scotland squad to be. Yes, we've still got big steps to take, but I feel, and the players feel, and the management feel, that we're taking strides in that direction.

“Lucia obviously dropped out of the squad because of a leg injury, so she was initially selected. Our athletic department and medical department have done a great job getting her back.

“She's gone through a really robust process to get back. It was touch and go whether she was going to be cleared fit, but from the specialists now, she's completely fit to train now. She's a player of great talent, so we were happy to have her back in the squad.”

Scotland Women 32-player WXV Global Series Squad to travel to Australia:

Forwards: Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (57)Holland Bogan – Glasgow Warriors (7)Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (53)Becky Boyd – Glasgow Warriors (7)Elliann Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (32)Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (9)Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (29)Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby (9)Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (45)Rachel Malcolm – Captain – Trailfinders Women (67)Elis Martin – Edinburgh Rugby (30)Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (60)Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby (15)Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (90)Imogen Spence – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors (5)Demi Swann – Exeter Chiefs (5)Anne Young – Glasgow Warriors (26).

Backs: Ceitidh Ainsworth – Glasgow Warriors (3)Leia Brebner-Holden – Edinburgh Rugby (21)Katie Buchanan – Exeter Chiefs (3)Shona Campbell – Sale Sharks (17)Rhea Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (6)Nicole Flynn – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (69)Helen Nelson – Trailfinders Women (83)Rachel Philipps – Edinburgh Rugby (6)Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby (5)Chloe Rollie – Edinburgh Rugby (89)Lucia Scott – Glasgow Warriors (12)Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (30)Evie Wills – Glasgow Warriors (11).

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