Utility back Lucia Scott has returned from a leg injury for Scotland women’s trip to Australia for two WXV Global Series Test matches versus the Wallaroos later this month.
The 32-strong squad and backroom staff head off down under on Wednesday and will be looking to bounce back from their three home WXV losses in September, including the most recent one against the Australians on September 26. They also lost to Canada and New Zealand.
In total, Scotland women have lost seven Tests in a row in all competitions so they will want to rectify things during this trip.
The squad has not changed much from the one that was together in September, but 12-cap Scott, who joined Glasgow Warriors in the summer, is fit to travel after missing all the home games.
“Lucia dropped out of the squad before the September games because of a leg injury,” interim head coach Dave Butcher said.
“Our athletic department and medical department have done a great job getting her back. It was touch and go whether she was going to be cleared fit, but she’s completely fit to train now. She’s a player of great talent so we were happy to have her back in the squad.”
Centre Rachel Philipps, who missed the final home match against Australia, is also fit to return after overcoming concussion protocols while, as previously thought, forwards Emma Wassell and Alex Stewart are unavailable for selection due to injury.
Tighthead prop Imogen Spence and centre Nicole Flynn are the only uncapped members of the touring party.
Scotland will take on Australia in Sydney at the Accor Stadium on October 17 before facing the same opposition once more at the Gio Stadium in Canberra on October 23.
The WXV Global Series squad travelling to Australia (caps in brackets):
Forwards
Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (57)
Holland Bogan – Glasgow Warriors (7)
Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (53)
Becky Boyd – Glasgow Warriors (7)
Elliann Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (32)
Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (9)
Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (29)
Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby (9)
Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (45)
Rachel Malcolm – Captain – Trailfinders Women (67)
Elis Martin – Edinburgh Rugby (30)
Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (60)
Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby (15)
Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (90)
Imogen Spence – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors (5)
Demi Swann – Exeter Chiefs (5)
Anne Young – Glasgow Warriors (26)
Backs
Ceitidh Ainsworth – Glasgow Warriors (3)
Leia Brebner-Holden – Edinburgh Rugby (21)
Katie Buchanan – Exeter Chiefs (3)
Shona Campbell – Sale Sharks (17)
Rhea Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (6)
Nicole Flynn – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (69)
Helen Nelson – Trailfinders Women (83)
Rachel Philipps – Edinburgh Rugby (6)
Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby (5)
Chloe Rollie – Edinburgh Rugby (89)
Lucia Scott – Glasgow Warriors (12)
Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (30)
Evie Wills – Glasgow Warriors (11)
Returning squad member Lucia Scott is pictured – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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