MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / News / Sport / Scotland Team Named for Women’s Rugby World Cup Opener

Scotland Team Named for Women’s Rugby World Cup Opener

Head coach Bryan Easson has named his squad for Scotland’s opening fixture at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 against Wales, this Saturday 23 August – kick-off 2.45pm at Salford City Stadium, Manchester, live on BBC 1 and iPlayer.

Captain Rachel Malcolm leads her country in their Pool B clash, joined in the back row by openside Rachel McLachlan and No.8 Evie Gallagher, who will make her Rugby World Cup debut.

Sarah Bonar returns to the starting line-up to partner Emma Wassell in the second row, marking their second Rugby World Cup appearance together.

In the front row, Lana Skeldon – Scotland’s most capped player of the 32-player squad – starts at hooker between loosehead prop Leah Bartlett and tighthead Elliann Clarke.

In the back division, Helen Nelson – also primed for a second such tournament – links up with scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden, with centres Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr continuing their partnership.

Out wide, prolific wingers Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie are joined in the back three by full-back Chloe Rollie.

Easson has opted for a 6:2 split of forwards and backs for the replacements. If called upon, Elis Martin, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson and Alex Stewart could make their Rugby World Cup debut. The experienced Jade Konkel and Molly Wright complete the forward pack, with Caity Mattinson and Beth Blacklock selected to provide cover in the backs.

Scotland Women team to face Wales on Saturday 23 August, kick-off 2.45pm, live on BBC 1 and iPlayer. (caps in brackets; * denotes Rugby World Cup debut)

15. Chloe Rollie – Toulon Provence Mediterranee (77)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks – Sale Sharks (59)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (30)
12. Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (71)
11. Francesca McGhie – Trailfinders Women (22)*
10. Helen Nelson – vice-captain – Loughborough Lightning (71)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (11)*

1. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (45)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (81)
3. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (22)
4. Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (69)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (47)
6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Trailfinders Women (58)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (53)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (37)*

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (22)*
17. Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (24)
18. Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester Hartpury (34)*
19. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (71)
20. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (17)*
21. Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (13)*
22. Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (33)
23. Beth Blacklock – Saracens (4)*

Category: Tag:

If you feel strongly about this article then feel free to send MyZA a ‘Letter to the Editor’ using the submission form below:

Letter to the Editor

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
If this is in response to an article please include that article title here or as the lead in for the first paragraph of your Letter below.

Separate tags with commas

Localise your letter by naming the city your words are about. Add relevant words describing your subject. Single comma separated words of no more than 5
Your Name(Required)
Your Name will be linked to the website below.
Your personal, business or social media web site
Choose NO to not set up a user account on MyZA. User Accounts will allow you to submit letters under your own Author Name

3 Latest Letters to the Editor:

  • Fun South African fact

    Dear Editor Fun South African fact: towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are home to world-class wine farms set in stunning, scenic surroundings. Regards Aressa Smith In Response to/From: Luxury Properties Seized in New Lottery Crackdown

  • Condolences on the Passing of Lusanda Dumke

    Statement by Leander Kruger MPL – DA Buffalo City Constituency Leader: The Democratic Alliance in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mourns the passing of Springbok Women’s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Lusanda Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source…

  • Rape Kits Delivered, But…

    Statement by Nicholas Gotsell MP – DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice: The DA can confirm that 2 840 rape kits arrived in Cape Town on Monday, following sustained DA oversight and pressure after multiple police stations across the Western Cape were found to be without this critical forensic evidence tool. While this delivery…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The first rugby sevens tournament was held in 1883 in Melrose, Scotland. The shorter, faster version of rugby was created to raise funds for the local club and has since grown into an international sport, making its Olympic debut in 2016.

  2. In case of windy conditions during a match, the umpires may decide to have the bails removed to avoid having them blown off. They may also be replaced by heavier bails to keep them secure on the stumps. Although the bails may not be present, they are assumed to still be on the stump. It will then be up to the umpires to decide if the wicket had been broken or not.