Former Ireland boss Philip Doyle has stepped down from his role as Scotland women's head coach as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Scottish RFU announced that that the Grand Slam-winning head coach was forced to leave the position as he "is shielding on medical grounds following the Covid-19 pandemic".

Doyle had been on furlough leave and was only contracted until December so both parties agreed to end the deal to avoid any potential disruption to the team.

"While it is very frustrating not to be able to continue as Scotland head coach due to the restrictions around Covid-19 I feel it is the right thing to do both for me and also to enable the team to face the coming vital set of matches with some continuity in their coaching," Doyle told the union's official website.

"I have greatly enjoyed working with the team and feel we’re making good progress on and off the pitch as a group. I will miss being with the players and wish them well in the games ahead and will be watching with interest."

Doyle was appointed to the role in April of last year and in this year's Six Nations only oversaw two matches before the Championship was halted, defeats to England and Ireland.

Scottish Rugby's Head of Women and Girls' Rugby, Gemma Fay thanked Doyle for his hard work in the role.

"I would like to thank Philip for his significant contribution to the development of the Scotland Women’s team during his time as Head Coach and he will be missed by all of us connected to the team," said Fay.

"It is obviously disappointing he is unable to continue his role at a key time in the team’s preparations ahead of qualification for the 2021 Rugby World Cup, but the Covid-19 crisis has put many things in perspective and clearly Philip’s health must be the priority here and we would not want him to compromise that in any way."