Thomas Ramos is set to swap Toulouse for Racing 92 in a blockbuster transfer, according to L'Equipe. The French international will take up a contract offer with the Parisians after the 2027 World Cup.
Ramos to join Racing 92
The 31-year-old, who is out of contract next June, is set to head north for the 2027/28 season. The report in L'Equipe states: "According to our information, the Hauts-de-Seine club has obtained the agreement of the fullback of the French national team and Stade Toulousain Thomas Ramos (31 years old and 52 caps) to join the Sky and Whites at the end of his contract with the French champion."
No confirmation has yet been published, but the prospect of Ramos playing more at No 10 is said to be a big factor in the move. Ramos has played for Toulouse for the past 10 seasons and began his career at the club aged 15.
Fukofuka leaves Scotland Women
Sione Fukofuka has been released from his position as Scotland Women head coach on "compassionate grounds". The Australian will return to his homeland to be reunited with his family after taking charge of Scotland late last year and leading them through one Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign.
Forwards coach Dave Butcher will take interim charge and lead Scotland into the WXV Global Series in September and October, when they take on Canada and New Zealand before facing Australia three times.
Fukofuka said: "I've had to make probably the hardest professional decision of my life to step away from the role as head coach. I approached Scottish Rugby and asked for a release from my contract under compassionate grounds. Effectively, the stress and the strain on my family, who are back in Australia away from me, proved too much to continue and to do this role the way it should be (done)."
"With the time back home in Australia over the summer, it was able to give me a lot more insight into the sacrifices that 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, so that means the family relocating in the 12-month plan that we had is not feasible anymore. I can't be away from my family for that amount of time and do the job the way it should be done."
The former Australia Women assistant coach and United States Women head coach thanked his employers for understanding his situation. "There has been an understanding that aside from being a rugby coach, I'm also a father and a husband, and the impact that has on both my family but also on myself," the 42-year-old added. "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 and being able to share those experiences with them has been really tough. Our boys are quite young and are missing out on that support when I'm not there."
Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora said: "I would like to thank Sione for his contribution to Scottish Rugby and whilst we are disappointed to see him depart, we fully respect and understand the reasons why he has made this decision. Our priority remains supporting the women's national team and women's programme players and staff during this period, with work being done to ensure appropriate structures are in place ahead of WXV Global Series along with long term recruitment conversations."
Cunningham leaves position
Hot on the heels of Fukofuka leaving his position with Scotland, ex-Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham has also departed his role with the Scottish set-up. A subsequent statement was issued following the Fukofuka news, with Dave Butcher taking over on an interim basis.
Senior assistant coach Cunningham's exit was also confirmed, only eight months after his arrival. "Scottish Rugby can confirm that Ioan Cunningham has left the organisation to pursue new opportunities. We thank Ioan for his contribution to Scottish Rugby and wish him every success for the future," the statement read.
Chris Laidlaw and Tom Luke have both been appointed in the role of assistant coach with Scotland Women. Luke joins on secondment from Bristol Bears for the WXV Global Series only. Laidlaw will initially join on secondment before linking up permanently at a later date.
