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Scotland Name Team Ahead of Summer Series Opener

Scotland Women U20 Head Coach Louise Dalgliesh has named the match-day 23 to face England in the opening round of the Six Nations Summer series at Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly (Saturday 5 July, kick-off 6pm).

Celtic Challenge duo, Merryn Gunderson and Nicole Flynn will captain and vice-captain the side respectively.

The front-row comprises an all-Glasgow Warriors line up featuring Poppy Fletcher (loosehead), Eilidh Fleming (tight-head) and Aicha Sutcliffe (hooker). Charlotte Russell and Aisha Zameer will combine in the second-row, flanked by Lily Crisp and Isobel Twigger, with Gunderson anchoring the pack at number eight.

Rianna Darroch and Ceitidh Ainsworth will partner at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

Edinburgh Rugby’s Lucy MacRae, a stand-out player in last year’s competition for her kicking game, will join Holly McIntyre, who made her Celtic Challenge debut for Edinburgh Rugby this year, will combine in the centre positions.

The back-three is completed by Lisa Brown and Emily Norval on the wings, with vice-captain Flynn at full-back.

The bench is comprised of a five-three split of forwards and backs with Megan Hyland, Kaylee McHugh, Faye Sutherland as the replacement front-row, followed by Holly Wilson and Gemma Thomson who can play across the second and back-row.

Scrum-half Rebekah Douglas, stand-off Poppy Mellanby and utility back, Freya MacColl complete the line up.

Speaking on selection, 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.

“I think the general progression of the pathway, especially in Scotland, is really exciting and having the Summer Series is a really great opportunity for these players to grow and develop.”

Scotland team to face England in Round 1 of the Six Nations Summer Series, Saturday 5 July, kick-off 6pm (livestreaming from scottishrugby.org).

15. Nicole Flynn – vice-captain – (University of Edinburgh / Glasgow Warriors) *

14. Emily Norval – (Stirling County / Glasgow Warriors) *

13. Holly McIntyre – (University of Edinburgh / Edinburgh Rugby) *
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 – (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. Lily Crisp – (Loughborough University
7. Isobel Twigger – (Brunel University / Trailfinders Women
8. Merryn Gunderson – captain – (Corstorphine Cougars / Edinburgh Rugby) *

Replacements

16. Megan Hyland – (Garioch / Glasgow Warriors) *
17. Kaylee McHugh – (Thurrock RFC)
18. Faye Sutherland – (Corstorphine Cougars / Edinburgh Rugby) *
19. Holly Wilson – (Biggar RFC) *
20. Gemma Thomson – (Stirling County / Glasgow Warriors) *
21. Rebekah Douglas – (Stirling County / Glasgow Warriors) *
22. Poppy Mellanby – (Biggar RFC / Glasgow Warriors) *
23. Freya MacColl – (Loughborough University / Loughborough Lightning)

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