Former Wallabies back-row Scott Fava has joined Harlequins as defence coach ahead of the 2026/27 JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The 50-year-old enjoyed a successful playing career, winning a Super Rugby title with the Brumbies, earning five caps for Australia and representing his country in rugby sevens at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Since retiring, Fava has built an impressive coaching CV, serving as the Wallaroos’ defence coach at Rugby World Cup 2021, which [held in 2022] before spending the past four years as head coach of the Brumbies in Super Rugby Women. Under his leadership, the Canberra side reached five semi-finals.

Fava said: “I’m looking forward to getting going and getting integrated into such a great, family-focused club. I see a lot of good intent in what we’re doing already in defence, but I want to try and add a bit more around our systems and processes that will help us when we’re under fatigue on the field.

“I’ve been doing a few bits already remotely before I flew over, in terms of trying to implement some of the things we’re looking to do. I think during the Cup, you’ve been able to see that growth and progression in our performances. I want to help the players grow as individuals and as players.”

Ross Chisholm, Harlequins head coach, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Scott to Harlequins. He arrives with a proven track record at both international and club level in the women’s game, and his experiences with both the Wallaroos and the Brumbies will be invaluable in our environment.

“His record as a player speaks for itself, but he has also built a hugely impressive body of work as a coach in both the women’s and men’s game. I’m looking forward to working with Scott and am confident he will be a major asset to the club and the programme.”

Fava’s arrival comes as Harlequins contend with a growing injury list ahead of the new campaign. Club captain Aoife Wafer and Wales back Kayleigh Powell have already been ruled out of the start of the season, while the club confirmed this week that Spain’s Clàudia Peña Hidalgo, Silvia Turani, Lizzie Hanlon and Sarah Perry will also miss the opening fixtures.

Harlequins have also confirmed the departure of assistant coach Chris Laidlaw, who has joined Scotland’s women’s programme on a full-time basis at the conclusion of his secondment.