The Scottish rugby landscape has received a significant boost with the official announcement of the national squad, bringing together a formidable mix of experienced campaigners and exciting rising stars from across top-tier domestic and international competitions. The roster showcases the depth of talent currently available to the coaching staff, drawing players from prominent clubs in the domestic Scottish leagues as well as high-profile teams competing in the English Premiership and top European leagues.
Leading the charge in the starting fifteen is a dynamic backline brimming with pace, tactical awareness, and proven big-match temperament. At fullback, Edinburgh’s Chloe Rollie brings her trademark reliability under the high ball and counter-attacking prowess to the field. Out on the wings, Sale Sharks’ Rhona Lloyd and Exeter Chiefs’ Katie Buchanan provide blistering speed and exceptional finishing capabilities that will look to trouble any defensive line. In the midfield, Bristol Bears’ Meryl Smith combines physicality with astute distribution alongside experienced playmaker Helen Nelson of Trailfinders, who pulls the strings at fly-half. Directing operations from the base of the scrum, Edinburgh’s Leia Brebner-Holden partners with her club colleague Hannah Ramsay, completing a youthful yet immensely capable half-back and forward-linking axis.
The forward pack boasts a formidable blend of power, set-piece expertise, and relentless work rate across the park. In the front row, Glasgow Warriors provide a strong contingent featuring Anne Young, Aicha Sutcliffe, Elliann Clarke, and Holland Bogan, all ready to lay down a physical marker against elite opposition. Behind them in the tight-five, Harlequins’ seasoned lock Sarah Bonar brings invaluable international experience and lineout mastery.
The loose trio is anchored by inspirational captain Rachel Malcolm of Trailfinders, whose leadership and tireless defensive efforts continue to set the standard for the squad. She is joined in the back row by the dynamic Rachel McLachlan, representing French club Montpellier, and Bristol Bears’ explosive flanker Evie Gallagher, rounding off a fiercely competitive starting pack designed to contest the breakdown and win the physical battle.
Looking to make an impact from the sidelines, a potent bench of replacements has been named to inject fresh momentum during the latter stages of matches. Bristol Bears supply vital front-row cover through hooker Lana Skeldon and prop Hollie Cunningham, alongside Sale Sharks prop Leah Bartlett and lock Eva Donaldson. Further forward cover is provided by Glasgow Warriors’ Imogen Spence. In the back division, Glasgow Warriors are heavily represented among the substitutes with Ceitidh Ainsworth, Nicole Flynn, and Lucia Scott all poised to bring energy, versatility, and attacking spark should they be called upon from the bench.
The selected squad reflects the ongoing development and competitive nature of women’s rugby in Scotland, with players earning selection through standout performances for their respective clubs week in and week out. As preparations intensify for the upcoming challenges on the international stage, the coaching staff will look to harness the collective cohesion and individual brilliance within this 23-player matchday group to deliver strong performances and positive results for Scottish rugby fans worldwide.