University of Edinburgh Welcomes new Head of Performance Ladies Rugby

Louise Dalgliesh is a distinguished figure in women's rugby, celebrated for her extensive experience both on the field as a player and on the sidelines as a coach. Dalgliesh earned 67 caps representing Scotland, participating in the 2006 and 2010 Women's Rugby World Cups. 

Transitioning into coaching, Dalgliesh contributed significantly to the Japan national team's coaching staff during the Women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. She later joined Sale Sharks Women as an Assistant and U23 Performance Coach, playing a pivotal role in developing talent and promoting women's rugby. 

Beyond her coaching roles, Dalgliesh is actively involved in advancing female representation in rugby coaching. She has facilitated sessions for the Gallagher High Performance Academy coaching internship programme and participated in the Elev8 programme, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at supporting elite female coaches. 

Louise is looking forward to getting started, 

“I’m delighted to be returning to Edinburgh to take up this role at such an exciting time for women’s rugby in Scotland.  The programme that has been built here is undoubtedly one of the best in the UK, and I am excited about how I can help take the players and the programme to the next level, and ensure continued success in the BUCS Super Rugby competition.  I want future (and current) international players from Scotland and beyond to look at Edinburgh and choose to come here not only because it's a beautiful city and a world-renowned University, but because the rugby provision gives them everything, they need to achieve their ambitions in the sport.”

David Hughes, Head of Performance at The University of Edinburgh is delighted to welcome Louise to the team, 

“Following Claire Cruikshank’s promotion as the first full time female professional coach at Edinburgh Rugby we went through a rigorous process to find a coach who could build on the great work that had been done and we are thrilled to have secured the services of such a renowned coach in Louise. It allows us to maintain the continuity of the programme and build in key areas as we seek to improve year on year. We look forward to working with Louise.”