Two tries and conversions from Jake Dalziel were not enough as Scotland lost 21-14 to Wales in their first game.

But an impressive 35-14 win against Italy followed, with Murray Waugh (2), Dalziel, Samu Laweci and Fraser Inglis crossing the whitewash.

This was the fourth iteration of the summer training camp for the U18 men, which has taken place in a different host country each year.

Training with and playing against other nations aims to provide the players with the knowledge of how they compare not only to other players in Scotland but also against some of the best players their age in the world.

Scotland U18 Head Coach John Fletcher said: “In a lot of ways, the training days are more valuable than the matches. We had double sessions and it gives us a chance to really start to embed our identity and how we want our pathway players to play into our best talent.

“The matches were both probably fair in terms of result. Wales were marginally better than us, and then we played well against Italy, a couple of things clicked, we scored some good tries.

“We’re pleased with how it went, hopefully the players have got good information about where they are compared to other good players from other countries.”

Scotland U18 Men squad for training week in Italy

Forwards
Keagan Bedwell (Dunfermline RFC/Stirling County)
Zak Burgess (GHA RFC)
Oskar Elwine (Loretto School)
Struan Finlayson (Hutcheson’s Grammar School)
Matthew Herbert (Strathallan School/Aberdeen Wanderers RFC)
Will Kenny (Glenalmond College/Mackie RFC)
Angus Matthews (Strathallan School/Linlithgow RFC)
Max Morrison (Lenzie RFC/Glasgow Hawks RFC)
Jack Nesbitt (Sedbergh School)
Archie Proctor (Currie Chieftains)
Josh Provan (Kilmarnock RFC/Ayr RFC)
Sam Scott (Stewart’s Melville College/Gala RFC)
Dan Shellard (Garioch RFC/GHA RFC)
Archie Smellie (Peebles High School/Peebles RFC)
Teddy Smith-Milne (Clifton College/Gloucester)
Rowan Walsh (Morrison’s Academy)

Backs
Finlay Anderson (Strathallan School/Preston Lodge RFC)
Jak Clark (Strathallan School/Dunfermline RFC)
Jake Dalziel (Merchiston Castle School)
Glen Gammell (Clifton College/Bristol Bears)
Fraser Inglis (Marr RFC)
Samu Lawaci (Merchiston Castle School/Highland RFC)
Cameron McGarey (Ayr RFC)
Jack McLay (Currie Chieftains)
Olly McKenzie (Huntly RFC)
Chikadibia Ofodile (Robert Gordon’s College)
Xander Snedden (SLM Blues)
Efosa Sule (St Aloysius’ College/Marr RFC)
Murray Waugh (Hutcheson’s Grammar School)

The post Review: Scotland U18 in Italy for training and matches appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Scotland did well at the restart to take play deep at the restart, and came close to responding with their own try but the ball was list in the offload between Poppy Mellanby and Emily Norval.

Ireland added a second try through Alma Atagamen, who took a front ball from a line out, catching Scotland off guard. O’Sullivan Sexton added the extras from the tee (0-14, 15 mins).

After sustained pressure, Scotland began to capitalise on Ireland’s errors and with a little bit of patience, were able to get into Ireland’s 22. Nicole Flynn was a key contributor to getting Scotland over the gainline, sitting defenders down on her way to the try line, before falling short. With Ireland caught offside, Scotland’s forwards took the penalty quickly, driving forward before activating the backline to find Freya MacColl, who dotted down. Lucy MacRae’s conversion sailed through the sticks (7-14, 21 mins).

Ireland responded well with a third try from winger Emily Foley, as Scotland’s defence was scattered inside their 22. O’Sullivan Sexton missed the conversion (7-19, 26 mins).

Scotland earned themselves two further opportunities to attack inside Ireland’s 22, both through the lineout. The first, MacRae was caught offside as he made her break. The second was taken well, but the final pass to Norval went into touch.

Ireland continued to test Scotland’s defence, but the young Scots held firm with Merryn Gunderson, Flynn and MacRae all making life difficult for the girls in green. Lily Crisp was next to cause a nuisance, turning Ireland over inside their own half. Ceitidh Ainsworth kicked the penalty for a lineout outside Ireland’s 22. After keeping possession, Flynn saw space and put in a cross-field kick but it had a bit too much power behind it, and went dead. Ireland tried to play out of their half but their kick found the touch line to close the first half.

Half-time: Scotland Women U20 7 – 19 Ireland

Ireland scored first in the second half. Unfortunately a fumble of the ball into touch from Mellanby inside Scotland’s 22 gifted the opposition a line out. Ireland had a powerful maul which Louise Taperell was found guilty of collapsing, and was shown a yellow card. Ireland took a second lineout and this time, Sophie Barrett was over the line. O’Sullivan Sexton’s conversion was good (7-26, 47 mins).

After some back and forth in possession between the two sides, Robyn O’Connor suddenly found herself in space, running an arc down the wing, before Holly McIntyre tore her down ahead of the whitewash. Ireland recycled but Coubrough defended fantastically, holding Ireland up over the line.

Ireland continued to threaten Scotland inside their 22, and as they pressed Scotland’ defence, Flynn was found guilty of deliberate knock-on and was shown a yellow card, leaving Scotland down to 13 players just minutes before Taperell was due to come back on (55 mins).

Shortly after, Ireland crashed over for their fifth try from short range. The conversion was successful (7-33, 56 mins).

Unfortunately, Scotland continued to compound the errors, and again, Ireland capitalised, with Tara O’Neil next to cross the whitewash for the girls in green. The conversion was unsuccessful (7-38, 62 mins).

It wasn’t long after the restart that Ireland’s wing was lighting u again, with O’Connor scoring her second try, dancing around the edge of the pitch to evade the defence. The conversion was missed (7-43, 64 mins).

It wasn’t long before she added another through O’Connor again after Rebekah Douglas knocked the ball on at the base of the scrum inside Scotland’s 22. The scrum was restarted in Ireland’s favour, and quickly O’Connor slides through to score once more. The conversion hit the posts and didn’t go over (7-48, 66 mins).

Ireland continued to command proceedings, scoring their nineth try of the day through Aoibhe O’Flynn after a series of fast paced offloading and forward picks. Caitriona Finn converted the extras (7-57, 76 mins).

As the clock wound down, Ainsworth’s decision to exit from the scrum inside’s Scotland’s half saw Ireland retaliate in their attack, breaking down the wing. Ireland were taken into touch just five metres from the Scottish try line. The Scot’s lineout went to ground and was gathered by Ireland and they dotted down for their final try of the match. Finn converted and the match game to a conclusion.

Full-time: Scotland Women U20 7 – 62 Ireland

Scotland Women U20: 15. Poppy Mellanby 14. Emily Norval – Vice-captain 13. Nicole Flynn 12. Lucy MacRae 11. Freya MacColl 10. Ceitidh Ainsworth 9. Emily Love 1. Poppy Fletcher – Captain 2. Megan Hyland 3. Eilidh Fleming 4. Aisha Zameer 5. Gemma Thomson 6. Merryn Gunderson 7. Lily Crisp 8. Emily Coubrough

Replacements: 16. Karis Craig 17. Louise Taperell 18. Megan Riach 19. Holly Wilson 20. Sophie Price 21. Rebekah Douglas 22. Holly McIntyre 23. Lisa Brown

Ireland Women U20: 15. Lyndsey Clarke 14. Katie Corrigan 13. Clara Dunne 12. Lucia Linn 11. Emily Foley 10. Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton 9. May Goulding 1. Grainne Burke 2. Maebh Clenaghan 3. Lily Morris 4. Alma Atagamen 5. Beibhinn Gleeson 6. Rosie Searle 7. Jane Neill 8. Jemima Adams Verling

Replacements: 16. Saoirse Crowe 17. Ella Burns 18. Sophie Barrett 19. Aoibhe O’Flynn 20. Sally Kelly 21. Caitriona Finn 22. Tara O’Neill 23. Robyn O’Connor

Referee: Emily Hope

The post Scotland Women 7 – 62 Ireland | Six Nations Summer Series 2025 Match Report appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Head Coach Louise Dalgliesh said: “We had a really positive start against Wales to start the scores with a penalty early on but from there Wales got four tries from our possession, so we were really disappointed with that but ultimately it came from our own errors.

“I think when you take that first 20 minutes away, we actually outscored them 26-24, so we have shown how competitive we can be when we get the detail right, but we gave ourselves far too big a task to do after that.

“There’s a lot of lessons we are taking away from that in terms of mindset and mentality, and that is what we are taking into this final game against Ireland. I think overall we can be pleased with what we have done in this competition so far, we have shown some fantastic attacking rugby and had glimpses of the physicality we bring in defence.

“Now we’re looking to string all of that together for an 80-minute performance, and ultimately that’s what it will take to get the result we are looking for on Thursday.”

How they line up

The stats

• Freya MacColl earns her first start of the Summer Series having scored two tries against Wales last week.
• Lucy MacRae has scored the fourth most points of the tournament, with 11 from the boot. She also boasts the most try assists of any player, setting up three.
• Ceitidh Ainsworth has made the third most carried in the competition so far with 22.
• Poppy Mellanby has gained the most metres of any player in the tournament (191.7) and second most carried meters (227.7)

Where to watch

The post Scotland Women U20 v Ireland | Six Nations Summer Series 2025 Preview appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The result leaves Scotland set to play against Ireland in the third and final round, which is set to be played on Thursday 17 July.

Lucy MacRae kicked off for the Scots and her forwards went to work, winning the ball back immediately on the visitors’ 22, earning a penalty. MacRae pointed to the posts and the blue and white were ahead with two minutes on the board. (Scotland 3 – 0 Wales, 2 mins)

Wales won the first scrum penalty of the match on the Scottish 40m line, opting for a lineout set piece. They went through the hands off the lineout, the ball falling at last to full back Mollie Wilkinson, who ghosted through untouched from the 22 to score under the posts. Fly half Hanna Marshall converted with minimal fuss. (Scotland 3 – 7 Wales, 6 mins)

Soon after, Lisa Brown found herself in space on the left touchline, beating one Welsh defender before a slick hand-off pass to Poppy Mellanby. The full back sped inside the Welsh 22, but was caught by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from her opposite number, and was dragged into touch with the try line begging.

The Welsh exited well and countered after a Scottish knock on, first through Wilkinson – then one phase later through winger Seren Singleton, who had a lot of work left to do from the Scottish 40m line. Singleton burst away, winning the foot race and dotting down near the right corner flag. Marshall converted from a tight angle to add the extras. (Scotland 3 – 14 Wales, 11 mins)

Wales were in again six minutes later, off the back of an attacking scrum inside the Scottish 22. Scrum half Sian Jones flicked it off the back to Marshall, who carried well and slipped a pass to Savannah Picton-Powell. The centre burst through the final defenders to crash over on the left-hand side. Marshall’s perfect conversion rate continued as she banged it over. (Scotland 3 – 21 Wales, 18 mins)

Shortly after the water break on 20 minutes, visiting captain Branwen Metcalfe was brought down inside the 22, but wasn’t held and she reacted fastest, to get up and dive over the line, scoring her side’s fourth try. Marshall nailed the conversion to go four from four. (Scotland 3 – 28 Wales, 22 mins)

Scotland chasers did well to pressure a clearing kick on the halfway line, but the Welsh attack was too quick in the counterattack. Jones found Marshall down the blind side and the Welsh went in for what looked to be a fifth try. The referee was called over to the TMO screen though, and Nia Fajeyisan was found to have knocked on in the build-up, saving Scotland’s blushes.

Merryn Gunderson broke the Welsh defensive line with five minutes to play in the half, reaching all the way inside the 22. The home side pushed hard, and Charlotte Russell looked to have punched through and dotted down, but she was held up over the line.

They couldn’t be kept out for long though. From the goal line drop out, Ceitidh Ainsworth fielded and burst through a hole, finding Mellanby on the edge of the 22 – before receiving the ball back off the full back to dot down for Scotland’s first try of the match. MacRae couldn’t add the extras this time. (Scotland 8 – 28 Wales, 37 mins)

Half time: Scotland 8 – 28 Wales

Wales struck first in the second stanza, Rosie Carr pushing well off the back of a lineout drive to dot down on the left-hand side. Marshall’s 100 per cent record off the tee ended, just dragging the conversion wide. (Scotland 8 – 33 Wales, 43 mins)

And Wales were in again off the back of a lineout three minutes later. A penalty for offside gave Wales a lineout on the 5m line. A quick drive ensued before the ball came off the back and to Picton-Powell, who burst through two tackles and crashed over for her second try of the day. Marshall couldn’t add the extras this time. (Scotland 8 – 38 Wales, 46 mins)

Scotland fought back straight away though. A cross-field kick from Mellanby was collected by captain Flynn. It was recycled well inside the 22, and Freya MacColl was the last player in a line of blue shirts on the left. She dotted down by the corner flag and MacRae converted from the touchline. (Scotland 15 – 38 Wales, 49 mins)

Referee Siobhan Daly was called over to the TMO screen for a head-on-head collision, and Wales scrum half Jones was sent to the sin bin for her tackle on Rianna Darroch, with just over 25 minutes to play.

Mellanby made the most of the extra player when she ghosted in for her second try of the match. After a clever intercept from Ainsworth in the midfield, Scotland went side to side before finding Mellanby down the left flank. She skipped through the final would-be tackler, before dotting down under the posts. MacRae added the extras with minimal fuss. (Scotland 22 – 38 Wales, 62 mins)

A penalty for a high tackle gave Scotland the chance to secure a bonus point try, and they kicked to the corner for a rumble at the line. After initially going short side, Emily Love flicked it to the left, and Ainsworth found skipper MacRae – she went even further wide to MacColl to dot down for her second of the match.

Referee Daly was called over to the screen to review the final pass, but it was deemed flat, and the try given. MacRae nailed the extras from the touchline. (Scotland 29 – 38 Wales, 67 mins)

Wales responded well though. Winning a Scotland lineout, they drove inside the 22. After several phases, the ball found its way to Jorja Aiono, who crashed over. Again, the TMO was called in though, and it was found to be held up, with 10 minutes left.

The resulting goal line drop out was countered well by Wales. Fajeyisan got the legs pumping inside the 22, before the ball was flicked to Dali Hopkins, who ran it straight from a couple of metres out – unstoppable, dotting down. Ffion Williams added the extras with eight minutes on the clock. (Scotland 29 – 45 Wales, 72 mins)

Wales added a cherry on their cake by breaching 50 points, as Evie Hill crashed over from close range, scoring Wales’ eighth try. The conversion was knocked over by Williams, bringing the game to a close. (Scotland 29 – 52 Wales, FT)

Full time: Scotland 29 – 52 Wales

Scotland: 15. Poppy Mellanby, 14. Emily Norval, 13. Nicole Flynn – captain, 12. Lucy MacRae, 11. Lisa Brown, 10. Ceitidh Ainsworth, 9. Rianna Darroch; 1. Poppy Fletcher – vice-captain, 2. Aicha Sutcliffe, 3. Eilidh Fleming, 4. Charlotte Russell, 5. Aisha Zameer, 6. Merryn Gunderson, 7. Isobel Twigger, 8. Emily Coubrough

Replacements: 16. Megan Hyland, 17. Kaylee McHugh, 18. Megan Riach, 19. Holly Wilson, 20. Lily Crisp, 21. Emily Love, 22. Holly McIntyre, 23. Freya MacColl.

Wales: 15 Mollie Wilkinson, 14 Seren Singleton, 13 Savannah Picton-Powell, 12 Freya Bell, 11 Nia Fajeyisan, 10 Hanna Marshall, 9 Sian Jones; 1 Stella Orrin, 2 Molly Wakely, 3 Evie Hill, 4 Robyn Davies, 5 Lily Terry, 6 Chiara Pearce, 7 Lottie Buffery-Latham, 8 Branwen Metcalfe – captain

Replacements: 16 Rosie Carr, 17 Dali Hopkins, 18 Lowri Williams, 19 Jorja Aiono, 20 Catrin Stewart, 21 Ffion Williams, 22 Ffion Davies, 23 Hanna Tudor

Referee: Siobhan Daly

Player of the match: Hannah Marshall (WAL)

The post U6N Summer Series: Scotland 29 – 52 Wales match report appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Head Coach, Louise Dalgliesh said: “We’re really happy with the intent and the bravery the team showed against England, we connected both in attack and defence and put some really good blocks together. I’m really pleased to see the girls put into practice what we have been working on.

“We’ve reviewed on some of the bits that didn’t quite go right last weekend, and we have had a good week of training to prepare ourselves on how to adapt to the different threats that Wales pose.

“We enjoyed a hit-out against Wales as part of our preparations before the competition, so we have a degree of familiarity and know what we will need to do to come away with points.”

How they line up

The stats

• Emily Norval tops the charts of any player in the tournament for metres carried (127) and metres gained (98).
• Isobel Twigger has made the second most tackles of any player in the competition so far, completing 17 against England last week.
• Four players are in the top five for attacking ruck arrivals: Isobel Twigger (#1, 28), Eilidh Fleming and Lily Crisp (#3, 21 each) and Charlotte Russell (#5, 20).

Where to watch

The post Scotland Women U20 v Wales | Preview | Six Nations Summer Series 2025 appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Poppy Mellanby, who scored one of Scotland’s three tries against England last Saturday, steps in at full-back, and Emily Coubrough earns her first U20 cap, starting at number eight.

The forward pack remains largely unchanged. Poppy Fletcher – who has been named vice-captain – Aicha Sutcliffe and Eilidh Fleming continue in the front row, with Charlotte Russell and Aisha Zameer in the second row. Isobel Twigger retains her place at openside flanker.

In the backs, the half-back pairing of Rianna Darroch and Ceitidh Ainsworth will once again steer the team.

Lucy MacRae starts at inside centre alongside Flynn, while Lisa Brown and Emily Norval continue on the wings.

The bench features a five-three split of forwards and backs. Megan Hyland, Kaylee McHugh and Megan Riach provide front-row cover, with Holly Wilson and Lily Crisp rounding out the forward replacements. Emily Love (scrum-half), Holly McIntyre (centre) and Freya MacColl (utility back) complete the matchday 23.

Speaking ahead of the match, Dalgliesh said: “We’re really happy with the intent and the bravery the team showed against England, we connected both in attack and defence and put some really good blocks together. I’m really pleased to see the girls put into practice what we have been working on.

“We’ve reviewed on some of the bits that didn’t quite go right last weekend, and we have had a good week of training to prepare ourselves on how to adapt to the different threats that Wales pose.

“We enjoyed a hit-out against Wales as part of our preparations before the competition, so we have a degree of familiarity and know what we will need to do to come away with points.”

Scotland team to face Wales in Round 2 of the Six Nations Summer Series, Friday 11 July, kick-off 6pm (livestreaming from scottishrugby.org).

15. Poppy Mellanby (Biggar RFC / Glasgow Warriors) *
14. Emily Norval (Stirling County / Glasgow Warriors) *
13. Nicole Flynn – captain (University of Edinburgh / Glasgow Warriors
12. Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh / Edinburgh Rugby) *
11. Lisa Brown (University of Edinburgh / Edinburgh Rugby) *

10. Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County RFC / Glasgow Warriors) *
9. Rianna Darroch (Hillhead Jordanhill / Glasgow Warriors) *

1. Poppy Fletcher – vice-captain (University of Edinburgh / Glasgow Warriors) *
2. Aicha Sutcliffe (Stirling County / Glasgow Warriors)
3. Eilidh Fleming (Stirling County / Glasgow Warriors) *
4. Charlotte Russell (Watsonian FC / Edinburgh Rugby) *
5. Aisha Zameer (Hillhead Jordanhill / Glasgow Warriors)
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars / Edinburgh Rugby) *
7. Isobel Twigger (Brunel University / Trailfinders Women)
8. Emily Coubrough (University of Edinburgh/Glasgow Warriors)*

Replacements

16. Megan Hyland (Garioch / Glasgow Warriors) *
17. Kaylee McHugh (Thurrock RFC)
18. Megan Riach (Garioch/Edinburgh Rugby)*
19. Holly Wilson (Biggar RFC) *
20. Lily Crisp (Loughborough University)
21. Emily Love (Corstorphine Cougars/Edinburgh Rugby)*
22. Holly McIntyre (University of Edinburgh / Edinburgh Rugby) *
23. Freya MacColl (Loughborough University / Loughborough Lightning)

The post Four changes to Scotland Women U20 team ahead of Wales clash appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

“I always saw myself going on to represent Scotland in hockey but I grew up in a rugby family; my Dad is rugby daft”, said Norval.

“I went to a touch tournament that he was playing in, and it was just really fun. One of the U18 coaches saw me there asked if I wanted to come to training and I did, and I just loved it. It’s been a quick two years; I’ve just caught the bug!”

Since then, her rise has been swift. Norval has earned a spot in the Vodafone Regional Training Centre and made her Arnold Clark Premiership debut for Stirling County against Heriot’s Blues, a big step up that she took in stride thanks to the trust of her teammates and Head Coach Mark Ainsworth.

“I’ve learned a lot from the more experienced girls at Stirling but the fact they had a lot of confidence in me was really nice to have”, said Norval.

“It was quite nerve-wracking facing that step up but also knowing that Mark had that faith in me as well, was really nice. I’ve definitely learned as a winger you can’t just wait, you have to go looking for the ball and see where I can slot in to get it.”

Norval certainly proved that in Saturday’s Summer Series opener against England, coming close twice to scoring and eventually bagging the team’s second try of the match in the second half.

Emily Norval scored for Scotland in Duhan van der Merwe like fashion against England on Saturday.

Her sharp rugby instincts quickly earned her a place in the Glasgow Warriors side for the Celtic Challenge this season – a competition she hadn’t expected to feature in so early in her career.

“We have quite a lot of girls at Stirling who played for Glasgow in the Celtic Challenge, but I don’t really think I saw it coming for me this year, I thought maybe next season. But it was amazing to be involved.

“Celtic Challenge has been massive for me. Obviously, this has been my first season playing senior rugby, so getting the chance to play against experienced international sides and go up a level has been great.”

“Getting to play alongside people like Mairi McDonald who has played for Scotland Women, and to listen and work with her, was really cool.

“The competition has definitely been beneficial for my game play, I think I’ve really stepped up and gained a lot of maturity from it. I feel in a good place with my rugby. We had a really good Premiership run, obviously we were unlucky in the final, and being involved with Glasgow has definitely brought on my confidence.”

Her on-field maturity and vocal presence have also caught the attention of Head Coach, Louise Dalgliesh. Ahead of the Scotland Women U20 series in Wales, Norval was named as part of a four-player leadership group alongside Merryn Gunderson, Nicole Flynn, and Poppy Fletcher – a role she takes immense pride in.

“It was such a nice phone call to get. To have a coach who sees that sort of quality in you feels amazing,” she said.

“Playing in the back three, I’m often telling people where they need to be and what I can see, so for her [Dalgliesh] to see that leadership quality in me is really nice.”

Left to right: Merryn Gunderson, head coach Louise Dalgliesh and Emily Norval at Caerphilly Castle.

Since last year’s Summer Series, five players have gone on to earn their first senior caps for Scotland, playing in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations this year – Molly Poolman, Rhea Clarke, Lucia Scott, Leia Brebner-Holden and Gemma Bell. Additionally, Hannah Ramsay, Hannah Walker and Aila Ronald all being involved with the senior training squad through the championship and into the Rugby World Cup extended training squad.

“I think it’s so great to see players you’ve played alongside make that step up through the pathway to the national team”, said Norval.

“It just shows you that if you keep working hard, keep training, keep showing up, that it could happen for me. Seeing the girls who have done it from last year’s U20 team is really inspirational as well. It’s nice to see that pathway is there if I keep going at it and keep trying as best as I can.”

Whilst it was a gutsy performance from Scotland Women U20, they were defeated by England 31-17 in their opening game of the Series on Saturday 5 July. Scoring three tries through Norval, Holly McIntyre and Poppy Mellanby, there was a lot that the side will take away to put into their upcoming game against Wales on Friday (11 July, kick-off 6pm).

Speaking after the match on Saturday, Dalgleish said: “We’re really happy with the intent and the bravery the team showed, we connected both in attack and defence and put some really good blocks together. I’m really pleased to see the girls put into practice what we have been working on.

“I think how they managed their discipline in the game was brilliant. To concede less than eight penalties when they were under pressure from England at times was phenomenal. It allowed us to get a bit of a foothold in the game and control some of the elements quite effectively.

“We’ll pick up on some of the bits that didn’t quite go right and make sure that we’re aware of how we might change things and adapt to the different threats, but we’re looking forward to going again on Friday against Wales.”

The post How a touch rugby tournament changed everything: Emily Norval’s rugby journey appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The following exchanges really saw Scotland dominating play as England haemorrhaged penalties, especially in the scrum, where Scotland flexed their strength. However, the Scots attacking strides fell short twice of a score inside England’s 22.

After 20 tense minutes with no scores, England sparked into life but Charlotte Russell was quick with the steal inside Scotland’s 22. Nicole Flynn and Emily Norval broke away but the ball was lost in the contact. After a successful English scrum, they used their runners to gain ground and soon, Joia Bennett was over the line. After review from the TMO for double movement the try was given. Green’s conversion was successful (7-0, 26 mins).

Scotland responded well, forcing more penalties from an ill-disciplined England side, but a missed kick to touch from Rianna Darroch let England counter, and Scotland were then caught offside. England then found themselves with a line out on the five metre line, and they looked to use their maul to power over, but the ball was held up. After much TMO review, Poppy Fletcher’s boots were to thank for the save. England regained possession from the goal line drop out, and quickly, Grace Clifford powered over. Green’s conversion went begging (12-0, 34 mins).

On the 30^th minute, after some confusing dialogue between the referee, Chloe Pelle and her TMO, Flynn was shown a yellow card for tackling Mille Hyett, who was carrying at the time but was deemed to be causing a deliberate knock on. After lengthy consideration over whether a penalty try should be given, it was deemed it should not be.

But their chance soon came, again from a rolling maul at a line out. The English maul was powerful, and they were not able to ground from there, the ball sprung out and was dotted down. There was again, considerable break in play with the match official and TMO deliberating on whether the try would be given and eventually it was. Green was unable to add the extras (17-0, 32 mins).

England looked to quickly be back on the rampage but captain, Gunderson put in the tastiest of tap tackles to fore a knock on and earn Scotland a scrum. With the scrum holding firm, Holly McIntyre and Emily Norval lit up the right wing, with Norval adding a lovely chip, but it just bounce out, but still gave Scotland a line out. The line out was taken well by Russell and after several phases with England caught offside, Scotland earned advantage and play brought back for another line out.

Gunderson carried the ball hard to the try line, falling just short before Eilidh Flemming looked to be over for Scotland’s first try. The referee wanted to consult the TMO yet again, believing the ball was held up. The TMO agreed and Scotland’s chance for five points went begging.

But their time would come. After Lisa Brown gathered well from the England restart, the forwards fought hard to get over the gain line, and earned yet another penalty with England offside. Scotland’s pack continued to trundle forward, breaking down the defence, before Darroch found Lucy MacRae, who put in a crossfield kick of dreams, to find Holly McIntyre who stepped around the defence to soar across the whitewash. MacRae’s kick had the legs but went to the right of the posts (17-5, 39 mins).

Whilst the first half was restarted, it was quickly concluded when Norval’s chip found touch. Scotland were firmly in the fight.

Half-time: England 17 – 5 Scotland

Scotland made three changes to start the second half started, with Gemma Thomson and Holly Wilson coming on for Gunderson and Aisha Zameer. In the backs, Rebekah Douglas replaced Darroch at scrum-half and Poppy Mellanby was brought on for Brown.

The opening exchanges were broken, with neither side really able to get foothold. But after a few minutes of testing Scotland’s defence, England’s Amelia MacDougall broke free and scored under the sticks. Green added the extras (24-5, 50 mins).

Shortly after, Dalgliesh made a series of further changes, bringing Kaylee McHugh, Faye Sutherland and Megan Hyland on for Fletcher, Fleming and Sutcliffe, who had all had a strong game.

With fresh legs, it was time for Scotland to strike. The new front-row held firm in Scotland’s scrum, with the ball finding the backs and eventually speedster, Norval who broke down the wing. After several phases using the pack, Ceitidh Ainsworth ran a looping arch, finding Norval who expertly evaded the touch line to down in Duhan like fashion for Scotland’s third try. Ainsworth was unable to add the extras (24-10, 58 mins).

England had a fairly immediate response, pressing on Scotland’s attack, with winger Molly Luthayi intercepting the ball and scoring. Green’s conversion was successful (31-10, 61 mins).

A final change was made for Scotland, with Freya MacColl entering the fray for the last 15 minutes, and she very quickly made her presence known.

Scotland worked excellently stealing at the line out inside their own 22, before the ball zipped through the hands of the back line to find MacColl, who’s excellent reading of the game to chip saw Mellanby turn on the jets to gather and score under the sticks. MacRae added the extras to narrow the deficit (31-17, 73 mins).

Whilst England searched for more, in the final two minutes of the match, Hyland and Flynn both held their opposition up over the line, and McHugh held up a final try in what would come to be the last phase of play.

Full-time: England 31 – 17 Scotland

Scotland: 15. Nicole Flynn – Vice-captain 14. Emily Norval 13. Holly McIntyre 12. Lucy MacRae 11. Lisa Brown 10. Ceitidh Ainsworth 9. Rianna Darroch 1. Poppy Fletcher 2. Aicha Sutcliffe 3. Eilidh Fleming 4. Charlotte Russell 5. Aisha Zameer 6. Lily Crisp 7. Isobel Twigger 8. Merryn Gunderson – Captain
Replacements: 16. Megan Hyland 17. Kaylee McHugh 18. Faye Sutherland 19. Holly Wilson 20. Gemma Thomson 21. Rebekah Douglas 22. Poppy Mellanby 23. Freya MacColl

England: 15. Lia Green 14. Sophie Hopkins 13. Millie Hyett 12. Molly Bunker 11. Molly Luthayi 10. Amelia MacDougall 9. Ashton Adcock 1. Amelia Williams 2. Lucy Simpson 3. Grace Clifford 4. Tyla Shirley 5. Lucy Finch 6. Maddy Page 7. Joia Bennett 8. Annabel Meta
Replacements: 16. Lucy Calladine 17. Chloe Flanagan 18. Lilly Plowman 19. Jasmine Adonri 20. Sophie McQueen 21. Poppy Love 22. Ella Cromack 23. Millie David

Referee: Chloe Pelle

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Head Coach Louise Dalgliesh said: “It’s exciting that game day is nearly here. We’ve travelled well to Wales and we’re ready to hit the ground running now.

“We’re anticipating an all-round physical performance from England, so we’ve selected a strong pack we think can front up to that, and a multi skilled back-line who we believe have the ability to adapt to the challenges that present themselves and allow us to play our own game.

“We’ve chosen Merryn and Nicole as our captain and vice-captain for this match. I expect Merryn to really lead by example with the way she performs on field, and Nicole will complement that well with her positive energy and tactical approach.

“For some, this will be the first time they are pulling on a Scotland jersey, and I know that will be a hugely proud moment for them and one that I want them to enjoy.

“We know the challenges that all three teams we will face in this competition (England, Ireland, Wales) will present with the quality of their players. Every game will provide a massive challenge, so it’s important for us to focus on ourselves first and foremost, especially for the first game.”

How they line up

Where to watch

The statistics

• Nicole Flynn scored in Scotland’s opening match against Italy in last year’s Six Nations Summer Series.
• Lucy MacRae had the highest penalty success rate of any player last year, with three across the sticks. She also slotted a further three conversions.
• Megan Hyland completed the most cleanouts of any player in last year’s competition with 25.

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