The story began in 1962 with the formation of the Edinburgh Amazons, a university team that planted the seeds for women’s rugby in Scotland. By 1987, the competitive spirit had spread across the country, with regular matches played between the universities of St Andrews, Aberdeen, Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

In 1990, Edinburgh Women WRFC was established as Scotland’s first domestic women’s club. Just one year later, the club broke new ground by securing permission to compete in the Scottish University League while also testing themselves in the Women’s Rugby Football Union (WRFU) Northern Division, travelling regularly to the north of England for league fixtures. 

International women’s rugby kicks-off 

Years of development at grassroots and university level ultimately led to a landmark moment for the sport. 

On Valentine’s Day 1993, Scotland hosted Ireland at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh for the first official women’s international match involving Scotland. For both teams, the game represented the culmination of years of effort building women’s rugby in their respective countries. 

Leading from the front was Scotland’s first captain, Sandra Colamartino, who scored both tries in the historic match. 

Reflecting on the progress made since that cold February afternoon in 1993, Sandra remains a passionate advocate for the game and the community it builds. 

“It means the world to see today’s girls and women enjoying their rugby at such a high level. Rugby delivers so much mentally and physically, and you build friendships that last a lifetime. On International Women’s Day, while we recognise all that has been achieved, we must keep working hard to ensure the game continues to thrive for all. As women, we must never take our eye off the ball.” 

– Sandra Colamartino, captain of the first Scotland Women’s rugby international team. 

Running out alongside Colamartino that day were players whose names have become synonymous with the grit and passion of Scottish rugby. The squad featured icons of the game like Donna Kennedy, who would go on to become one of the world’s most-capped players, and Lee Cockburn, a powerhouse of the early era. 

The 1993 debut served as the catalyst for a decade of rapid growth. Only one year later, the Scottish Women’s Rugby Union (SWRU) stepped in to host the 1994 World Cup on incredibly short notice. The foundations laid at Raeburn Place eventually paved the way for the legendary 1998 Grand Slam winning side, a team that featured several pioneers from that very first match against Ireland. 

Today, as the squad prepares to run out in front of record-breaking crowds at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, they follow the trail blazed by Colamartino and her teammates. Their legacy is felt in every tackle, every try, and every young girl picking up a rugby ball for the first time this International Women’s Day. 

Growth of the domestic rugby 

As the international team developed, the domestic game across Scotland continued to grow. Clubs began to emerge across the country helping to establish strong local foundations for the senior national team. 

Today, there are 62 Clubs with Female Youth Teams and 71 Clubs with a Female Adult Teams competing across Scotland stretching from Orkney to Biggar, Oban to Cupar. (get the stat from rugby dev/Rosy Ryan) 

At age-grade level there are now national conferences and regional leagues for U16 and U18 players, sponsored by inspiresport, alongside the National Youth Cups competitions.  

Across the senior game, clubs are involved in the Arnold Clark Premiership, Regional Leagues and the Aspiring League. Women’s teams are currently competing in the Sarah Beaney Cup, National Shield, National Plate and National Bowl, with the competitions culminating at Silver Saturday at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in May. 

Professionalising the game and leadership 

The push toward professionalisation accelerated in 2016 when Jade Konkel became Scotland’s first full-time professional female player. 

Fast forward to the 2025/26 season, and Scottish Rugby further deepened its commitment to the women’s game by enhancing its annual contracting model. This evolution has seen an increase in the number of contracted players to 35, with up to 50 athletes benefitting from access to high-performance environments. 

In addition to players, in 2017 Hollie Davidson became the first contracted female referee. 

Just one year later, Dee Bradbury – mother of Scotland international, Magnus Bradbury – made history as the first female President of a Tier 1 union.  

In 2023, Scottish Rugby collaborated with the IRFU and WRU and launched the Celtic Challenge, a cross-border competition designed to bridge the gap between club and international rugby. There are now two teams playing out of Scotland – Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby. Players including Alex Stewart, Molly Poolman, Gemma Bell, Fi McIntosh, Lucia Scott, Rachel Philipps, Hannah Ramsay and Leia Brebner-Holden have come through the Celtic Challenge competition to make their debut for Scotland since its inception. 

Now there is a Central Programme operating in Scotland, where selected players are supported with Strength and Conditioning training, rugby and skills sessions, alongside nutrition, medical and wellbeing.  

There is also now a full pathway for age-grade rugby with Scotland Women U18 participating annually in the Six Nations Festival. Scotland Women U20 programme now enters a new era, evolving from the Six Nations Summer Series; the team now expands to an U21 side and will participate in their own Six Nations tournament which run adjacent to the senior competition. 

Legacy continuing 

Today’s Scotland players stand on the shoulders of the pioneers who first pulled on the jersey more than three decades ago. 

2026 will stand as a groundbreaking year for the women’s game in Scotland, as our senior national team take centre stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield to face the Red Roses in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations. 

This is a historic move that reflects the incredible growth of the game, with a record-breaking crowd of over 19,000 tickets already sold. As the players run out onto the national pitch, they do so carrying the legacy of every pioneer who came before them, marking a new chapter in the proud history of Scottish women’s rugby.   

Their legacy lives on in every tackle, every try, and every young girl picking up a rugby ball for the first time this International Women’s Day.

The post The Beginnings of Women’s Rugby in Scotland appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

“From a quiet, shy, no clue what I’m doing beginner player to gobby fly half, it’s impossible It’s impossible to pick just one woman to highlight when I think about my grassroots rugby journey. Every single person I’ve watched, played with or coached alongside has influenced me in some way.

“Being part of such a supportive squad allowed me to shine while also learning the quirks of the game; making mistakes, learning from them, and growing in an environment that constantly pushed me to improve and aim higher. Now I try to pass those lessons on to newer players and support their journeys from a leadership position.

“Helping coach the girls’ team at Dunfermline and watching them go through the same behaviours and confidence struggles I once had – then seeing them completely overcome those challenges – is something that’s hard to put into words.”

“Seeing some of my former teammates go on to incredible opportunities with Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Women, competing at such a high level, is so exciting not just for me, but for the young girls coming through the ranks. I absolutely love it!”

Elis Martin during a Scotland Women’s Rugby training session at Peffermill Playing Fields, on June 03, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Elis Martin, Scotland international

“When I think about the theme of ‘Give to Gain’ I think the women in my life who have given so much to me would be the women in our management and medical team at Scottish Rugby, past and present.

“Just to name a few; Flo, Ellen, Josie, Lara, Morag, Eilidh, Emma, Mhairi and Fiona. These women have lives and commitments of their own, kids and grandkids, but they have had to sacrifice time with them to work with us to make sure that we can succeed in this sport.

“Individually, the support I’ve received from Josie and Flo in particular has been unmatched and you just don’t get care like that anywhere else in the world. The sacrifices and choices they have made to help us perform the way that we do is unbelievable, and no doubt it’s because of that platform they give us to do so. The reason we stand as high as we do is because we stand on their shoulders.”

Emma Orr, Scotland international

“A woman in my life who truly epitomises the ‘Give to Gain’ theme for International Women’s Day is my mum. She is the most incredible woman I know. She works tirelessly on the farm and supports me, my three siblings, and my dad through her constant generosity, strength, and collaboration.

“She’s our Wonder Woman and somehow manages to do it all. She’s always the first person to step in and help others as they work towards their goals. For me, she is my absolute rock, and I know she is that for so many other people too. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without her support and inspiration – I’ve always wanted to be like her.”

Kaeli King and her Watsonians teamates celebrate at full-time as they are crowned Sarah Beaney Cup Champions during the Sarah Beaney Cup Final between Hillhead Jordanhill v Watsonian during Silver Saturday at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in 2025.

Kaeli King, Watsonian FC

“Charlotte Runcie was a huge part of the reason I joined the club. I knew her from the sevens circuit, she has such infectious energy. Even though she has retired from playing she has been doing a strength and conditioning programme for the last few seasons for the team, and she does this in her own time. Something I’ll say about her is she always has time for anyone who has a question, or who’s skill level isn’t quite there yet, she wants us all to be better. I really admire how supportive she is of all the women on the team.

“Additionally our physio Fi Robertson, she has been the biggest reason I’ve been able to get back to playing from injuries. Within her role she goes above and beyond for us in terms of working with health professionals, listening to us, giving up her time and weekends. That kind of support in sport is invaluable.”

The post International Women’s Day | Give to Gain appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Finlay will take on the role as Foul Play Review Officer in the upcoming Women’s Six Nations, as he looks to work through the full cycle of women’s fixtures and expand upon his already fruitful international career. Finlay will appear as FPRO in two of Italy’s fixtures, when they take on France in Grenoble and Ireland in Galway. He will then appear as TMO in two of Ireland’s U21 Women’s Six Nations fixtures.

Finlay, who has a vast level of experience within refereeing, has previously refereed in the HSBC SVNS World Series, doing so for four years. Eventually going on to referee in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He has also run as touch judge in URC and EPCR fixtures, but this will be his first move as he looks to shift into TMO work.

Having previously refereed in the Scottish Premiership, Finlay was named as referee of the season for the Scottish Premiership during the 2017-18 season.

Women’s Six Nations Matches
France v Italy
Stade De Alpes, Grenoble
Saturday, 11 April – 12:25 KO

Ireland v Italy
Dexcom Stadium, Galway
Saturday, 18 April – 17:40 KO

U21 Women’s Six Nations Matches
England v Ireland
TMO
Butts Park Arena, Coventry
Saturday, 2 May

Wales v Ireland
TMO
Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly
Sunday, 10 May

The post Finlay Brown appointed for Women’s Six Nations appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Scottish singer-songwriter Cammy Barnes is set to bring his signature powerhouse vocals and grit to Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 18 April, ahead of the record-breaking fixture between Scotland Women v England’s Red Roses.

Barnes, born in the Kingdom of Fife, has rapidly established himself as one of the UK’s most distinctive crossover artists, blending contemporary country songwriting with Scottish traditional music. His breakout single Whiskey Roll marked a major mainstream breakthrough, becoming a UK Top 40 hit and reaching the Top 10 in both the Official Singles Sales Chart and the Official Singles Downloads Chart.

Fresh from selling out Glasgow Barrowlands and following the release of his new single Highland Runaway, Cammy’s pre-match performance, presented by Vodafone, will set the stage for the largest crowd ever recorded for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland.

Fans attending the fixture are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full pre-match experience. To see all of the matchday activities ahead of the game, please see our matchday guide here.

If you haven’t gotten your tickets already, secure them now!

You can listen to Cammy Barnes’ latest music here.

The post Cammy Barnes pre-match performance ahead of Scotland v England appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Most recently, he served as Assistant Coach (Forwards) with the Canada Women’s National Team, who reached the Rugby World Cup Final in 2025.

This appointment marks a return to Scottish Rugby for Butcher, who previously worked across a performance and national age-grade programmes within the men’s pathway, including coaching Scotland U16s, U17s, the Scottish Development XV and working with the Scottish Qualified Programme, as well as leading talent identification programmes internationally.

Speaking on the announcement, Butcher said: “I’m hugely excited to join Scotland Women and return to Scottish Rugby. This is a programme with clear ambition and enormous potential, and I cannot wait to contribute to it. I’m really looking forward to working with Sione, Ioan, the wider management team and of course the players, starting with the upcoming Six Nations.”

Scotland Women Head Coach Sione Fukofuka said: “I am delighted to welcome Dave to the programme as our Forwards Coach. The experience that he brings from coaching at the highest level will really allow us to harness the power of an already incredibly strong forward pack. Dave’s knowledge and detail will be a major asset for our programme as we continue to raise standards and accelerate the programme.”

The post Dave Butcher appointed as Scotland Women’s Forwards Coach appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Full-back Chloe Rollie said the occasion reflects both the passion of Scottish supporters and the growing belief in the women’s game.

“I know how much pride people back home take in seeing Scottish rugby succeed,” she said. “The Women’s Rugby World Cup last year was a momentous occasion for us in so many ways, including record attendances and some of the loudest Scottish supporters I’ve ever heard.

“To hear that this game will break the national attendance record in women’s sport, and that our team is the one making that history, is massive. We’re so grateful to everyone who has already bought a ticket.”

Rollie hopes the landmark crowd will inspire the next generation of players across the country.

“I really hope this milestone inspires young girls across Scotland, and especially the Borders. If they dream of playing for their country in front of huge, cheering crowds at home, it’s not just a possibility – it can be their reality.”

Winger Francesca McGhie believes the record-breaking turnout builds on the momentum created during last year’s Rugby World Cup.

“We were so fortunate to enjoy packed-out stadiums during the Rugby World Cup last year, and now we get to do the same on our home turf,” she said. “The number of Scotland fans who turned out for us then felt incredibly special, so I can’t wait to see and hear the reception from this record crowd at Scottish Gas Murrayfield later in the year.”

For McGhie, the scale of support is also a sign of progress within the squad.

“As a group, we always talk about leaving the jersey in a better place, and the turnout for this match is a true reflection of us doing just that.”

Hooker Elis Martin described the occasion as a powerful marker of how far women’s sport has come in Scotland.

“To be part of Scotland Women at a moment like this is incredibly special,” she said. “Seeing how far women’s rugby – and women’s sport more broadly – has come, it’s hard to put into words what it means.”

She also highlighted the unique role Scotland’s supporters play on matchday.

“We’ve played in front of big crowds before, but this time the crowd is truly ours. There’s something uniquely special about a Scottish crowd – they’re loud, energetic and passionate. They give us the belief and energy we need to perform, and it means everything to us as players. We can’t wait to meet even more of you than usual.”

Be a part of history. Secure your tickets here. 

The post Scotland Women players react to record-breaking Murrayfield crowd appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The training group was a diverse blend of experience and emerging talent, with players drawn from the Celtic Challenge, the PWR and the French Elite leagues. 

As women’s rugby in Scotland moves into a new era, take a closer look at the pathways of those in camp, tracing the determination and grassroots hard work that paved the way from local clubs to the national stage. 

Helen Nelson 

Helen Nelson’s journey to the top of the Scottish game is a masterclass in athletic versatility. Growing up in the Highlands, her first introduction to rugby came at the age of six with Lochaber Rugby Club. A natural athlete, she balanced her early rugby with shinty in Ballachulish and a three-year stint on the Scottish Alpine Ski Team, experiences she often credits for the agility and tactical coolness she now displays in national rugby team. 

Her pathway through the Scottish system continued at Edinburgh University, where she balanced a degree in Geophysics and Meteorology with a starring role for the university side. During this period, she became a mainstay for Murrayfield Wanderers, playing a pivotal role in their historic league and cup double in 2017. That domestic success served as her springboard to the international stage where Nelson quickly established herself as play-making stand-off, famously helping Scotland to secure its first-ever away win against Ireland in 2018. 

As one of the eight inaugural players to be awarded a professional contract by Scottish Rugby in 2018, Helen has since gained elite experience in France with Montpellier before moving to Loughborough Lightning in the PWR. 

Now a veteran of 75 caps and only the second Scottish woman to surpass 200 points (currently sitting on 244). 

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – APRIL 13: Scotland’s Helen Nelson in action during a Guinness Women’s Six Nations match between Scotland and Italy at The Hive Stadium, on April 13, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Emma Orr 

Emma Orr’s rugby story began in Primary 4 at Walston Primary School, but it was at Biggar RFC where her potential truly ignited. Within months of joining their U15 side, she captained the team to a Youth Cup victory at Murrayfield in 2017. 

Her rise was meteoric; after transitioning through the Scotland U18 Sevens and making her senior Sevens debut in Lisbon, she was fast-tracked into the Test arena. 

Making her senior debut at just 18 years of age against Wales in 2022, Orr has since become a consistent presence for Scotland. Despite being only 22 years old, she has already amassed 34 caps, featuring at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, the Commonwealth Games, and two WXV2 campaigns. 

Her attacking threat was on full display during the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, where she crossed the whitewash against both Wales and Fiji, bringing her international tally to 10 tries. 

Domestically, Orr honed her craft with Biggar and Heriot’s Blues before representing the Thistles and Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge before she signed for Bristol Bears in the PWR for the 2024/25 season.  

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – APRIL 26: Scotland’s Emma Orr in action during a Guinness Women’s Six Nations match between Scotland and Ireland at The Hive Stadium, on April 26, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Alex Stewart 

Alex Stewart’s ascent through the ranks is a clear example of how the Scottish pathway structures support local talent. 

Her journey began at school in a partnership with Lismore RFC, where she quickly entered the Aspiring Performance Programme (APP) to sharpen her technical skills. By 2022, her leadership qualities were already on display as she captained Edinburgh Harlequins U18 to a National Youth Cup Final at Murrayfield. 

The following years saw Alex move through every tier of the developing pathway. She represented Scotland at the first-ever U18 Six Nations Festival and in the Rugby Europe Sevens in Prague, before gaining senior experience with Corstorphine Cougars in the Sarah Beaney Cup. 

In 2023, a tour with the Scotland Futures (now known as the U21 programme) in Italy provided the final bridge to the elite game. 

Her breakthrough came in 2024 when she was named vice-captain for Edinburgh Rugby in their inaugural Celtic Challenge season, where her consistently physical performances earned her a senior Scotland call-up. 

Alex made an immediate impact on the international stage, earning her first cap in Scotland’s historic away victory over Wales in 2024. Now with 17 caps and an international try against Japan to her name, Stewart’s move from youth rugby to a regular face in the national squad highlights one of the many pathways to international success. 

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MARCH 30: Scotland’s Alex Stewart takes a selfie with young fans during a Guinness Women’s Six Nations match between Scotland and France at Hive Stadium, on March 30, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

A Landmark Moment at Scottish Gas Murrayfield 

By breaking the attendance record for a stand-alone women’s sporting event in Scotland, the upcoming match against the Red Roses serves as a reflection of the sport’s continual growth and the next generation dreaming of pulling on the famed shirt.  

Be a part of history. Secure your tickets here. 

The post Making Moves: From Club to Camp appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

While the breaking of that record is now a matter of history, the statistics behind the journey reveal a profound shift in the Scottish sporting landscape. This isn’t just a one-off spike in interest; it is the culmination of a decade of exponential growth. 

A decade long journey 

To appreciate the scale of 19,000 fans in the Scottish Gas Murrayfield bowl, one must only look back to where the journey began. Over a decade ago, Scotland Women had a home for the first time, Broadwood. In 2015, acting as curtain raisers in a double header with the U20 Men’s side, Scotland Women played in front of a crowd of hundreds.  

In 2016, the home fixture against England, again played at Broadwood, drew in a crowd of 1,306 spectators but it wasn’t until 2018 that Scotland Women were playing standalone matches at Scotstoun. The first instance of this was once again against England, with a growing audience of 3,278. 

The momentum shifted to the capital in 2021 as the team made Hive Stadium their home. Two fixtures were played in that year, one against Japan and the other, England. Once again, the stands were more packed together with 3,988 people watching Scotland take on their old rivals. 

Fast forward to 2024 and the next time Scotland faced the Red Roses at home, it was in front of a sold-out Hive Stadium, 7,774 people cheering Scotland on. To meet the overwhelming demand from fans across the country, the next fixture has been moved to the iconic main bowl of Scottish Gas Murrayfield which has already sold over 19,000 tickets. 

The story of the record break 

The 2026 fixture became the fastest-selling match in Scotland Women’s history just four days after tickets launched in June. 

The momentum was further fuelled by the team’s success on the world stage. Following a their victory over Wales at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which saw which is Scotland record their biggest ever win over Wales, sales surged past the previous home record of 7,700 in late August. By early September, the figure had climbed to five digits, crossing the 10,000 mark a full seven months before the match was due to take place. 

The game in numbers 

While the stands will be record-breaking, the battle on the pitch remains as fierce as ever. In the last encounter with the Red Roses, scoring was opened inside the first four minutes by Scotland’s Helen Nelson, while the closing remarks were again made by Scotland with a last-minute try from winger, Rhona Lloyd. 

Scotland have faced England 35 times in their history and while they have only managed to topple the current World Champions twice, the game has never been played under the conditions they will face on Saturday 18 April. 

Scotland v England 

Scotland and England may be old foes but matches like this have helped the sport to grow.

Scotland Women haven’t just grown their audience; they have redefined what is possible for women’s sport in Scotland. On April 18, 19,000+ voices will prove it. 

Be a part of history. Secure your tickets here. 

The post The Numbers Behind the Noise: How Scotland Women Rewrote the Record Books appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

As part of the ‘Murrayfield 100’ celebrations, Scottish Rugby announced last year that the fixture would be staged in the main bowl of Scottish Gas Murrayfield – the first time Scotland Women will contest a standalone, ticketed international. That decision has now been emphatically validated by unprecedented supporter demand. 

Edinburgh Rugby’s home ground, Hive Stadium has been the home of Scotland Women since 2021, during which time support for the team has grown rapidly. In 2024, a sold-out crowd of 7,774 watched Scotland face England, setting a then-record attendance for the national team. 

Speaking on the announcement, Scotland Women captain Rachel Malcolm said: “In 2024, we played England at home in front of a record crowd and that felt like a real step forward for women’s rugby in Scotland. Then, at the Rugby World Cup, we experienced what was possible on an even bigger stage, playing in front of 27,000 fans at Ashton Gate. 

“To now be bringing that sense of occasion to Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with 19,000 fans and counting, shows the momentum that’s building around this team and women’s sport more broadly. I cannot thank our fans enough for this huge show of support already. 

“It’s an incredibly proud moment for us as players, but it also comes with the responsibility to honour those who’ve backed us, to inspire the next generation, and to help ensure that moments like this become part of the future of Scottish rugby, not just standout occasions.”

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Alex Williamson said: “This record-breaking crowd is a powerful statement about the direction of Scottish Rugby and the belief that exists in the women’s game. Hosting this fixture in the Scottish Gas Murrayfield bowl was a decision rooted in our confidence in this team and our commitment to growing the game. 

“The response from supporters underlines what we know – that women’s rugby in Scotland belongs on the biggest stages and our responsibility now is to keep building on it. 

“To see more than 19,000 people already backing the team is something everyone involved with Scottish Rugby should be incredibly proud of, and with there still being a few months left before the match, there is genuine excitement around how much bigger this will become.” 

Managing Director of Women’s Rugby Gemma Fay, added: “This is a hugely significant moment for women’s rugby in Scotland and a real reflection of the incredible work being done on and off the field by everyone involved in the game. The progress this team is making, the performances they are delivering and the connection they are building with supporters is creating something very special.

“To step out to a record crowd at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 18 April shows the momentum that now exists around Scottish women’s rugby. It gives our players the platform they deserve, our fans the opportunity to watch their heroes at the National stadium and creates the kind of occasions that allow our Scottish women’s rugby to truly shine.

“Just as importantly, it sends a powerful message to the next generation. When young girls and boys see these crowds, these stages and these opportunities, they see that there are no limits to what they can achieve in our sport. This team is helping redefine not just what is possible for women’s rugby in Scotland, but women’s sport – and this is only the beginning.”

Further supporting the announcement, Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “I am incredibly proud of the phenomenal progress of women’s rugby in Scotland as we reach this landmark moment for the women’s international game.  

 “This match will be the largest celebration of Scotland women’s rugby in our history. It may in fact be the largest celebration of any women’s sport in Scotland. 

 “The record ticket sales demonstrate the growth of the women’s game and the powerful impact of role models, increasing investment in the game and strengthening women’s rugby across Scotland’s communities. 

 “I wish both our Scotland teams the very best of luck for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.” 

Scotland Women have played international matches in the main Murrayfield bowl on eight previous occasions. 

The first was an autumn international in 2002 played as a double header with the men where the team, which included Scotland’s highest capped player, Donna Kennedy, faced Sweden, whilst the men faced Fiji. 

The first seven matches were played as double headers whilst the most recent occasion was on a snowy Monday afternoon in front of a few guests when Scotland played England in the 2020 Women’s Six Nations following a rescheduling from Scotstoun thanks to Storm Ciara from the day before.

Ticketing 

Tickets are available in the lower West Stand, North and South Stands (adults £21.50) and Upper East Stand (adults £26.50), U18s half-price and U12s £6.50.

Click here.

Scottish Rugby’s ever-popular Groups & Schools Offer is once again available. Located in North and South Stands, tickets are priced £11.50 (Adult) and £6.50 (U18). They must be booked as a single group, but there’s no limit on the number of tickets that can be booked in this way. To book your group, simply email ticket.centre@sru.org.uk with the number of tickets required – these will then be reserved and payment organised.

The Murrayfield Experience, Scottish Rugby’s official hospitality partners, have marked this historic game by introducing some new hospitality packages, including ‘Bottomless Brunch’ and ‘Street Food Party’ options.

Click here.

The post Scotland v England smashes Scottish women’s sporting attendance record appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

New Head Coach Sione Fukofuka has overseen his first weeks in the role, using the camp as an opportunity to begin shaping the direction of the squad and build relationships across the playing and coaching group.

On getting settled into the role

“It’s been great. I’ve had just under three weeks of a lot of information, a lot of new faces, but to be honest I’m loving it. I knew what I was coming to weather-wise. The resources here, getting to know the players and the staff has been fantastic.

“Our first training camp was great. We ended up bringing in 61 players. We called it our base camp, this is where we start from and where we build from and go forward. It’s given myself and Ioan (Cunningham) the opportunity to learn about the playing group, understand where we are right now, and gives us some really good insight about where we want to take this team. It’s really exciting – there are some really young players here, amongst some experienced ones, and of course of the back of a World Cup, there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm to go forward.”

Head Coach Sione Fukofaka on new Senior Assistance Coach Ioan Cunningham

“I’ve obviously never worked with him before but coached against him. Bringing him in with his level of experience having been a head coach himself, has been fantastic in terms of support but also the detail technically and tactically that he is able to share with the players, you can just see that learning and development coming through the players. I’m grateful for the opportunity to working with him and I’m excited to keep building that relationship.”

Looking ahead, Fukofuka outlined the key priorities

“Obviously we’ll be watching Celtic Challenge, BUCS, PWR and the French leagues to keep an eye on our players. We’ll take all the information we have taken from base camp and monitor performances over the next six to eight weeks before we assemble again. Our intention is to select for the Six Nations based on form, we want to pick the best players who can play for Scotland.”

Attention now turns to the domestic season, where players will look to build on the work done in camp and stake their claim for selection ahead of the Six Nations.

From Rachel Malcolm

Captain Rachel Malcolm echoed the sense of optimism within the squad, highlighting the positive impact of returning to camp following a Rugby World Cup cycle.

“It’s been really exciting to come back into Scotland camp, I think we probably all needed a wee bit of a break after a long four year cycle, but to come back in and have such a huge group of players with so much potential has been super exciting. To have a new management team leading us with a new head coach is also kind of just added an extra bit of energy and an extra bit of edge for sure. I think all of us are in the same mindset and we’re all keen to keep pushing forward.”

With a strong base now in place and a clear focus on form and performance, Scotland Women will look to carry the momentum from camp into the domestic season ahead of preparing for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations later in the Spring.

The post Scotland Women Lay Foundations at Training Camp appeared first on Scottish Rugby.