Rachel Malcolm’s Scotland rugby debut came off the bench versus Spain at Scotstoun in her home city of Glasgow in 2016 and her 50th cap came as she started as captain versus Italy in Cape Town in the WXV 2 tournament on Saturday.
There have been plenty of ups and downs in between those two moments, but there are now more ups than downs and that is, in part, down to the passion that the 33-year-old back-rower puts into everything she does and the standards she drives every day.
“Leader, trailblazer, courageous and brave” were the words used on a Scottish Rugby video about her released before the 19-0 win at the weekend by head coach Bryan Easson, vice-captain Helen Nelson, second-row Sarah Bonar and back-row Rachel McLachlan.
The latter added: “As a human, as a rugby player and as a leader, everything she does is done with bravery and with a smile on her face and she is just amazing.”
And winger Rhona Lloyd said: “Laoch means warrior in Gaelic, it is one of our core values as a group, and I think Rach epitomises that the most, she is a warrior on and off the pitch and in terms of what she stands for.”
At a press conference via Zoom in the days leading up to the start of Scotland’s WXV 2 title defence, loosehead prop Anne Young said: “Rach epitomises what it means to play for Scotland women.
“She is an unbelievable player, captain and person off the pitch. I have never met someone else who is so inspirational to all of us, but who is so approachable and available to everyone experienced and new players.
“She has been massive for us over the last few years and will continue to be so going forward.”
Centre Emma Orr said: “It’s an incredible milestone for Rachel. I think she’s just everything that encapsulates this team – she’s the best leader I’ve ever worked under, I strive to be like her every day.
“The way she carries herself on and off the pitch and the way she represents this team and will do anything for this team and Scotland is just inspiring.”
Assistant coach Matt Banahan stated: “Rachel is one of the players who has come on so much in terms of the attacking platform. She is always so willing to learn and develop how she wants to play, we all know she is a brilliant defender and a fantastic leader, but she wanted to develop her attack and it was so good recently to see her using footwork and things we have worked on to get that try against Fiji.
“She definitely deserved that try and she is definitely deserving of getting her 50th cap for leading the team over the years like she has and it is amazing.”
The crowd inside the iconic DHL Stadium was not large, but the Malcolm clan, including parents and brother James who previously played for the Warriors, from Glasgow could certainly be seen and heard up in the stands having made the trip to South Africa to see the skipper reach the half century milestone.
After the match in the changing rooms Nelson, as mentioned who is the vice-captain, said: “I thought you were absolutely outstanding in this game, as always, Rach, you always play with such heart and lead from the front and you are a role model to the team, so I want to pass on this cap to someone who I know has been a role model to you.”
Stand-off Nelson then allowed Malcolm’s dad Walter to do the honours and as she put her 50th cap on her head it was a special moment for all who were there.
On Monday, Scotland begin their preparations to take on Japan in game two of the tournament on Saturday coming.
Scotland women’s squad and scorers in the WXV 2 clash with Italy
15 Chloe Rollie (Ealing Trailfinders) (one try)
14 Coreen Grant (Saracens) (one try)
13 Emma Orr (Bristol Bears)
12 Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears)
11 Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers)
10 Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning) (two conversions)
9 Caity Mattinson (Ealing Trailfinders)
1 Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning)
2 Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears) (one try)
3 Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning)
4 Fi McIntosh (Saracens)
5 Sarah Bonar (Harlequins)
6 Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough Lightning, C)
7 Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier)
8 Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears)
Subs all used
16 Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning)
17 Lisa Cockburn (Gloucester-Hartpury)
18 Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears)
19 Louise McMillan (Saracens)
20 Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars)
21 Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester-Hartpury/Cheltenham Tigers)
22 Lisa Thomson (Ealing Trailfinders)
23 Lucia Scott (Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury)
Rachel Malcolm is pictured running out on Saturday, thanks to Scottish Rugby
GH Media will be covering Scotland women’s journey right through to Rugby World Cup 2025, bringing insight from within the camp throughout and featuring other parts of the game in this country too – thanks to those already supporting the content, if you or your company would like to get involved please email gary@gh-media.co.uk