Scotland cap number 205 Nicola Howat has brought experience and leadership to the Watsonians pack this year and the second-row has really enjoyed the last few months with the club.
This weekend 28-year-old second-row Howat and her team mates will head from Edinburgh to Bridgehaugh to take on hosts Stirling County in what promises to be a cracking Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership final (4.10pm, live on BBC ALBA).
“This season so far has been good,” she said.
“I feel we’ve been building game on game and things are really clicking now. Obviously Stirling have been a tough opponent so far but the squad’s feeling good going into Saturday so we’ll see what happens. As long as we put out a performance we’re happy with and leave it all on the pitch you can’t ask much more of the girls.
“I think this week at training has been all about clarity, focusing on those small details that can make all the difference. As I say, we have been going well this season, there’s no drastic last-minute changes needed and we just need to trust the process and know our roles and the rest will come. I think it’s important not to get too much into your head about the fact it’s a final and just go out there and play the game.”
Having grown up in Cupar, Howat learnt her rugby trade at Bell Baxter High School and local club Howe of Fife.
Those experience gave her a springboard towards Edinburgh University, Scotland age-grade action and eventually full caps for her county.
She then headed down south to England’s top flight to play for Sale Sharks.
“I loved my time down at Sale,” Howat, who works as a vet in Dundee, helps out on her family farm in Fife and was this week named in Edinburgh Rugby’s Celtic Challenge squad, stated.
“It was such a good environment and set up there with a great bunch of people. Training and playing at that level with some great coaches and players definitely taught me a lot. I obviously played with Slaw [Sarah Law, ex-Scotland and now part of the Watsonians coaching team] down there too so it’s been nice being back training with her, even if she’s now the coach!
“After I came up the road again I was playing for Howe last season, I actually tried to play for them the first season I moved back up in 2023/24, but then broke my ankle in the first game back – 19 minutes in, two weeks before my sister’s wedding oops! – so I had a year out of games and was then back playing for them last season which was great.
“In 2024/25 I mostly played at 12 so a slightly definitely role on the pitch than usual, but I really enjoyed it. Then this year I was just looking for a bit of an increase in playing level and knew a lot of the girls at Watsonians from uni so went along to a few sessions and felt right at home immediately.
“It’s a great club to be a part of, the supportive nature of the team is something I really get behind, no one snipes at each other, everyone is just looking to improve and drive the team’s game on in a positive manner.”
Nicola Howat is pictured – thanks to N50 Photography
From November 14 to December 14, GH Media will be featuring on all aspects of women’s rugby in Scotland including the exciting conclusion to the domestic Premiership, news on Scots playing down south and lots more during a busy month.