Head coach Bryan Easson has selected a blend of experienced players and fresh talent for fixtures against Italy, Japan and Australia. The announcement follows Scotland’s solid performance in the 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations, where they showed progress - including a first away win against Wales since 2004 - and now they aim to continue their upward trajectory in this new, highly competitive tournament.
What is the WXV?
The WXV (Women’s XV) is a new international rugby competition launched by World Rugby to provide a structured pathway for women’s teams globally, offering them more opportunities to compete at a high level. The tournament is split into three tiers—WXV 1, WXV 2, and WXV 3—with Scotland set to defend their title in WXV 2, the second tier of the competition.
The WXV aims to elevate the standard of women’s rugby worldwide, giving teams a chance to gain valuable experience against international opposition outside of the traditional Six Nations setup. This new competition is a key part of World Rugby’s strategy to grow the women’s game, with each team’s performance influencing their place in future editions.
Scotland's Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
Easson’s squad selection reflects a commitment to building on the momentum gained during the 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations, where Scotland secured important victories and showed plenty of promise. Captain Rachel Malcolm leads the side once again, providing invaluable leadership and experience in what promises to be a challenging tournament.
The squad also features key players who were instrumental during the Six Nations campaign, including the dynamic back-rower Lana Skeldon and fly-half Helen Nelson, whose playmaking abilities will be crucial. Easson has also brought in some new faces, indicating a focus on both immediate success and long-term development as Scotland look to build a deeper pool of talent.
Aiming for WXV 2 Glory
Scotland’s involvement in WXV 2 comes with the added pressure of defending their title, having won the previous edition. The competition will see them face off against tough opposition from around the world, but they will be battle-hardened following home matches in September against Wales and Fiji. This presents a golden opportunity for the Scots to test themselves against different playing styles and continue their development ahead of the 2025 Championship.
Rachel Malcolm has previously emphasised the competition as a crucial step forward for Scotland. “WXV 2 offers us the chance to test ourselves on a global stage, and it’s vital for our growth as a team. We’ve made significant progress, and now we have to prove it by competing against some of the best teams from outside Europe,” she said.
Building on Six Nations Success
Scotland's 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign was marked by gritty performances and a clear improvement from previous years. With victories over Wales (marking their longest winning streak, with seven) and Italy, the team demonstrated their growing strength and cohesion. Although they will be somewhat scarred from their final-day loss to Ireland in Belfast, they will also have taken heart from running France close. The squad’s experience in high-pressure matches will be invaluable as they head into the WXV 2, where they will look to maintain that competitive edge.
Scotland Women squad
Forwards
Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears), Lisa Cockburn (Gloucester Hartpury), Eva Donaldson (Leicester Tigers), Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough Lightning), Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning), Fiona McIntosh (Saracens), Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier), Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears), Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)*, Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars), Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning), Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning)
Backs
Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester-Hartpury/Cheltenham Tigers)*, Coreen Grant (Saracens), Caity Mattinson (Ealing Trailfinders), Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers), Rhona Lloyd (GB 7s/ Stade Bordelais), Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning), Emma Orr (Bristol Bears), Rachel Philipps (Sale Sharks)*, Lisa Thomson (GB 7s/Ealing Trailfinders), Chloe Rollie (Ealing Trailfinders), Lucia Scott (Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury)*, Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears)
*Uncapped player
Autumn Tests
Scotland Women v Wales, Hive Stadium, Friday 6 September, kick-off 7.35pm
Scotland Women v Fiji, Hive Stadium, Saturday 14 September, kick-off 4.45pm
WXV 2 fixtures
Italy v Scotland, DHL Stadium, Saturday 28 September, kick-off 3pm
Japan v Scotland, Athlone Stadium, Saturday 5 October, kick-off 2pm
Australia v Scotland, Athlone Stadium, Saturday 12 October, kick-off 5pm
