After achieving just one win in that campaign, the national structures have recently been revamped to enable a greater flow of talent to the top.

But Parker’s departure will act as a hammer blow with captain Lynne Reid and the experienced duo Donna Kennedy and Veronica Fitzpatrick also stepping aside.

But Parker felt he had little choice but to step aside without being able to guarantee the job his full attention.

He said: “I feel I have been unable to commit the required time to reach the high standards I demand of myself, and that the position requires.

“It’s nothing more than a time management issue that has led me to make this difficult decision.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the players and the rest of the management team – I’ve worked with some incredibly committed people within the women’s game and want to thank all those who supported me so well over the past year.

”The job of Scotland Woman’s head coach is as much about the development of the game of woman’s rugby in Scotland along with the preparation for test matches, an example being the Tuesday night training sessions we started over and above the international squad weekends to increase the players skills and game awareness.”