Scotland Women are gearing up for their opening match of the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations against Wales, with head coach Bryan Easson unveiling a squad packed with fresh talent.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Hive Stadium, Scotland will kick off their campaign with a match set for 4.45 p.m. Notably, Hollie Cunningham is poised to make her international debut, finding herself in the second row alongside seasoned player Sarah Bonar.
Joining Cunningham in the pack are Anne Young and Elliann Clarke, both of whom will earn their first Six Nations starts at loosehead and tighthead prop, respectively. The hooker position will be held by Lana Skeldon, a crucial player with significant experience in the team.
Captain Rachel Malcolm will lead from the blindside, supported by a dynamic back-row trio comprising themselves with Rachel McLachlan, who adds an element of versatility and skill, and Evie Gallagher, known for her power on the field.
In the backline, the attack will be orchestrated by Leia Brebner-Holden at scrum-half, working closely with stand-off Helen Nelson, who has previously shone in international matches. The midfield partnership is reinstated with Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr, ready to create opportunities.
Wingers Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie are set to add pace and agility to the attack, while Chloe Rollie will provide reliability at full-back. Easson has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, which may enhance versatility during the match.
Evie Wills stands poised for her first international appearance after a three-year break from international rugby, and should she be called on, it will undoubtedly be a moment to celebrate. Additionally, Caity Mattinson is providing scrum-half cover as an experienced option.
Adelle Ferrie finds herself among the replacement forwards and could also mark her Scotland debut. The full squad shows promise, blending experience and emerging talent, with the hope of securing a strong start to the Six Nations.
The Scotland Women team set to face Wales includes:
- Chloe Rollie (Trailfinders Women, 70 caps)
- Rhona Lloyd (Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais, 52 caps)
- Emma Orr (Bristol Bears, 24 caps)
- Lisa Thomson (Trailfinders Women, 64 caps)
- Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)
- Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning, 65 caps)
- Leia Brebner-Holden (Loughborough Lightning, 5 caps)
- Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning, 15 caps)
- Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears, 74 caps)
- Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears, 15 caps)
- Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
- Sarah Bonar (Harlequins, 42 caps)
- Rachel Malcolm (captain, Unattached, 52 caps)
- Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier, 46 caps)
- Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears, 31 caps)
The bench includes:
- Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning, 15 caps)
- Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps)
- Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning, 40 caps)
- Adelle Ferrie (Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars, uncapped)
- Alex Stewart (Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars, 8 caps)
- Jade Konkel (Harlequins, 66 caps)
- Caity Mattinson (Trailfinders Women, 27 caps)
- Evie Wills (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps)
With anticipation building, can Scotland secure a winning start against their rivals? The match promises to showcase not only the skilled players on both teams but also the evolving landscape of women’s rugby in Scotland.
