Scottish Rugby has today confirmed that the forthcoming Scotland v England fixture in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations (Saturday 18 April) will attract the largest crowd ever recorded for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland.
With more than 19,000 tickets sold, the match has surpassed Scotland Women’s previous record by over 11,000 spectators, whilst also eclipsing the long-standing national benchmark of 18,555 set by Scotland Women’s football team against Jamaica in 2019.
As part of the ‘Murrayfield 100’ celebrations, Scottish Rugby announced last year that the fixture would be staged in the main bowl of Scottish Gas Murrayfield – the first time Scotland Women will contest a standalone, ticketed international. That decision has now been emphatically validated by unprecedented supporter demand. Edinburgh Rugby’s home ground, Hive Stadium has been the home of Scotland Women since 2021, during which time support for the team has grown rapidly.
In 2024, a sold-out crowd of 7,774 watched Scotland face England, setting a then-record attendance for the national team. Speaking on the announcement, Scotland Women captain Rachel Malcolm said: “In 2024, we played England at home in front of a record crowd and that felt like a real step forward for women’s rugby in Scotland. Then, at the Rugby World Cup, we experienced what was possible on an even bigger stage, playing in front of 27,000 fans at Ashton Gate.
“To now be bringing that sense of occasion to Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with 19,000 fans and counting, shows the momentum that’s building around this team and women’s sport more broadly. I cannot thank our fans enough for this huge show of support already.
“It’s an incredibly proud moment for us as players, but it also comes with the responsibility to honour those who’ve backed us, to inspire the next generation, and to help ensure that moments like this become part of the future of Scottish rugby, not just standout occasions.”
Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Alex Williamson said: “This record-breaking crowd is a powerful statement about the direction of Scottish Rugby and the belief that exists in the women’s game. Hosting this fixture in the Scottish Gas Murrayfield bowl was a decision rooted in our confidence in this team and our commitment to growing the game.
“The response from supporters underlines what we know – that women’s rugby in Scotland belongs on the biggest stages and our responsibility now is to keep building on it.
“To see more than 19,000 people already backing the team is something everyone involved with Scottish Rugby should be incredibly proud of, and with there still being a few months left before the match, there is genuine excitement around how much bigger this will become.”
Managing Director of Women’s Rugby Gemma Fay, added: “This is a hugely significant moment for women’s rugby in Scotland and a real reflection of the incredible work being done on and off the field by everyone involved in the game. The progress this team is making, the performances they are delivering and the connection they are building with supporters is creating something very special.
“To step out to a record crowd at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 18 April shows the momentum that now exists around Scottish women’s rugby. It gives our players the platform they deserve, our fans the opportunity to watch their heroes at the National stadium and creates the kind of occasions that allow our Scottish women’s rugby to truly shine.
“Just as importantly, it sends a powerful message to the next generation. When young girls and boys see these crowds, these stages and these opportunities, they see that there are no limits to what they can achieve in our sport. This team is helping redefine not just what is possible for women’s rugby in Scotland, but women’s sport – and this is only the beginning.”
Further supporting the announcement, Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “I am incredibly proud of the phenomenal progress of women’s rugby in Scotland as we reach this landmark moment for the women’s international game.
“This match will be the largest celebration of Scotland women’s rugby in our history. It may in fact be the largest celebration of any women’s sport in Scotland. “The record ticket sales demonstrate the growth of the women’s game and the powerful impact of role models, increasing investment in the game and strengthening women’s rugby across Scotland’s communities.
“I wish both our Scotland teams the very best of luck for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.”
Scotland Women have played international matches in the main Murrayfield bowl on eight previous occasions. The first was an autumn international in 2002 played as a double header with the men where the team, which included Scotland’s highest capped player, Donna Kennedy, faced Sweden, whilst the men faced Fiji.
The first seven matches were played as double headers whilst the most recent occasion was on a snowy Monday afternoon in front of a few guests when Scotland played England in the 2020 Women’s Six Nations following a rescheduling from Scotstoun thanks to Storm Ciara from the day before.
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