Rugby Australia has announced that Wallaroos Head Coach Jo Yapp will return to England at the conclusion of her current contract which runs through to the end of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Yapp relocated to Australia 18 months ago to take on the Wallaroos Head Coach position at the conclusion of the 2023 international season.
Despite her relatively short time in the role Yapp has made an impact with the team winning five of their past seven games, including four Test wins in a row for the first time in their history, as well as their first piece of silverware by winning the WXV2 trophy in Cape Town last year.
It is known that family considerations played into her decision to return to England after the tournament.
“My family and I are very grateful for the opportunities we’ve had in Australia and I am proud of the progression the Wallaroos program has had over the past 18 months,” Yapp said.
“This was a difficult decision, as I thoroughly enjoy coaching the Wallaroos, but my family always come first when considering future plans and we have decided to return to the UK once my contract expires.
“There is still a lot of rugby ahead and the key reason for announcing this now is to avoid any distractions before the critical preparation period for the World Cup begins.
“I want to thank everyone at Rugby Australia who has made me feel so welcome. I am now focused on leading this talented and exciting Australian team into the 2025 World Cup.”
Rugby Australia will now commence a recruitment process to appoint Yapp’s successor as Wallaroos Head Coach.
The Wallaroos will re-assemble for camps in Canberra in June before their next Test against the Black Ferns in Wellington on Saturday 12th July.
The Wallaroos will then return home for two matches against Wales ahead of their departure for the Rugby World Cup in England.
