Scotland Women U18 Head Coach Lindsey Smith has named an extended training squad as preparations ramp up for the 2025 U18 Six Nations Festival. The age-grade tournament will take place at Wellington College in Crowthorne, England, running from Friday, 11 April to Saturday, 19 April.
The young Scots will face off in shortened 35-minute matches against France, Wales, England, and Ireland, before concluding the festival with a full 70-minute clash against Italy.
The squad selection follows the conclusion of the extended training squad’s training camps, which saw players selected from the Girls’ Regional Game Series, held across January and February, and the Scottish Qualified (SQ) pathway. Notably, 21 members of the squad are currently supported by Scottish Rugby through one of its three Vodafone Regional Training Centres.
Speaking ahead of their travel to Wellington College, Lindsey Smith said: “This festival is really exciting but it will definitely be challenging but it means we can test ourselves against the best players from the other unions and help progress our players through the pathway.
“We have three game days in total, with five fixtures so it gives us an opportunity to give everyone game time and exposure to international rugby. Finishing on the 70-minute fixture gives us something to build towards throughout the week.
“For many players this will be their first experience of something at this level, but our preparation over the last few months and providing a regular training environment through the Regional Training Centres will put the players in a better position than years gone by.”
Imogen Spence and Gemma Thomson, who both participated in the competition last year, have been named as the squad co-captains for the festival.
Speaking about Spence and Thomson, Smith added: “Gemma played in the tournament last year and gained some experience in the Celtic Challenge at the end of the season this year. She’s a really good leader and player – good ball carrier, physical. Imogen was one of our captain’s last year so it’s good to that we have her to lead with that experience coming back this year. She’s got great leadership skills, and is part of Scottish Rugby’s Youth Panel.
“It’s great to have two girls who can lead from the front on the pitch as well as off it, and I am sure will have good advice for some of the younger girls.”
All fixtures will be broadcast live on Scottish Rugby’s website.
- Friday 11 April: Scotland v Wales, kick-off 12pm & France v Scotland, kick-off 1pm
- Tuesday 15 April: England v Scotland, kick-off 12pm & Scotland v Ireland, kick-off 3pm
- Saturday 19 April: Italy v Scotland, kick-off 4.30pm
Scotland Women U18 Squad
Forwards
Kara Borthwick (Currie Chieftains)
Scarlet Down (Horsham)
Cailin Lardner (Stirling County)
Eve Mackay (Strathendrick)
Aisla Merryweather (Hull Ionians)
Ellie Moffat (Watsonian FC)
Daisy Morrison (Stirling County)
Ellen Nimmo (Boroughmuir Banshees)
Alina Prokopenko (Dalkeith)
Ella Rae (Stirling County)
Mary Rudd (Henley College)
Imogen Spence (Biggar RFC)
Pip Sutherland (Old Reigatians)
Gemma Thomson (Stirling County)
Amy Vance (Dumfries Saints)
Estella Vaughan (Guildfordians)
Backs
Katherine Bird (Northern)
Lisa Brown (University of Edinburgh)
Ellie Campbell (Ivybridge)
Eilidh Comerford (West of Scotland)
Josie Foubister (University of Edinburgh)
Lucy Giles (Dumfries Saints)
Scarlett Haddow (Stirling County)
Nina Hausrath (Stirling County)
Bethan Mathieson (Dunfermline RFC)
Poppy Mellanby (Biggar RFC)
Tamzin Rosie (Caithness RFC)
Niamh Waters (Biggar RFC)
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