Karen Findlay takes reins from Gary Parker

THE SCOTLAND women's team have appointed female coaches for the senior and under-20 sides for the first time.

Karen Findlay, the front row who was in at the start of women's Test rugby in Scotland and retired just over four years ago with 85 caps, will take over from Gary Parker ahead of Scotland women's first Six Nations fixture in France next Friday.

"I'm incredibly honoured, delighted and very excited about the future," said Findlay. "There's a really good basis to the current squad and I've seen lots of good things."

Findlay started her international career in 1996 and captained Scotland 52 times. She was also a member of the first Scotland women's team to play at Murrayfield. Since retiring in 2006, she has been head coach at Richmond, the largest women's club in rugby. A police officer, Findlay works for the Olympic Police co-ordination team, delivering national security in the run up to and during the 2012 Olympic Games.

Jules Murciano is to take over as head coach of the U20 squad, assisted by Donna Kennedy, who retired last year as the Scotland and world record cap-holder on 115, and fellow ex-international Claire Cruikshank.