Bryan Easson Appointed Head Coach of the Dutch Men’s XV

Rugby Nederland has unveiled Bryan Easson as the new Head Coach of the Dutch Men’s XV, marking a significant and ambitious step forward for the national programme as it builds toward the next Rugby Europe Championship cycle and beyond.

Easson arrives in the Netherlands with an outstanding pedigree, forged over more than 25 years within Scottish Rugby, where he has played a pivotal role across elite performance, talent development, and national team pathways. His appointment signals a clear intent from Rugby Nederland to prioritise sustainable growth, coaching excellence, and long-term performance structures.

Most recently, Easson has served as Head Coach and Technical Lead of Scotland Women, following spells as interim head coach, senior XV attack coach, and a long-standing leader within the Scottish academy system. His CV reflects deep experience in developing players from pathway to performance, blending technical detail with a strong cultural framework a skillset well aligned with the ambitions of Dutch rugby.

Beyond results, Easson is widely respected for his work in high-performance environments, his clarity of rugby philosophy, and his ability to align coaches, players, and unions around a shared vision. His involvement in Six Nations campaigns, World Cups, and elite European competitions has given him invaluable insight into what is required to move national teams forward in competitive international landscapes.

Importantly, Easson’s role will extend beyond the senior men’s side. As Head of Coaching Performance Pathway, he will oversee the alignment of coaching structures across the Dutch system, ensuring consistency in playing identity, player development, and performance standards from grassroots to the international stage. This dual role reflects Rugby Nederland’s broader strategic objectives under the Rugby Agenda 2032, with a strong focus on durability rather than short-term fixes.

Speaking on his appointment, Easson highlighted the programme’s “clear ambition, strong values, and commitment to sustainable performance and player development,” underlining his enthusiasm to begin working with Dutch players and staff as preparations begin for upcoming Rugby Europe competition.

For Dutch rugby, this appointment represents more than a coaching change  it is a statement of intent. With Bryan Easson at the helm, the Netherlands are investing in experience, structure, and leadership, laying foundations designed not just to compete, but to progress with purpose on the European stage.

The challenge now begins and with it, a new chapter for Oranje rugby.