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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)*

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