Scotland head coach Lindsey Smith is looking forward to her squad getting a chance to test themselves against the best at the under-18 Women’s Six Nations Festival at Wellington College in England between April 11 and 19.
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 28-strong squad selection followed the conclusion of the extended training squad’s training camps and they travelled southwards earlier this week.
Smith said: “This festival is really exciting. 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.”
Gemma Thomson and Imogen Spence, who both participated in the competition last year, have been named as the squad co-captains for the festival.
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, a good ball carrier who is 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 they will have good advice for some of the younger girls.”
All Scotland’s fixtures will be broadcast live on Scottish Rugby’s website and they are…
April 11: Scotland v Wales, kick-off 12pm, France v Scotland, kick-off 1pm
April 15: England v Scotland, kick-off 12pm, Scotland v Ireland, kick-off 3pm
April 19: Italy v Scotland, kick-off 4.30pm
Scotland under-18 squad
Forwards
Kara Borthwick (Currie Chieftains)
Scarlet Down (Horsham)
Cailin Lardner (Stirling County)
Eve Mackay (Strathendrick)
Aisla Merryweather (Hull Ionians)
Ellie Moffat (Watsonians)
Daisy Morrison (Stirling County)
Ellen Nimmo (Boroughmuir Banshees)
Alina Prokopenko (Dalkeith)
Ella Rae (Stirling County)
Mary Rudd (Henley College)
Imogen Spence (Biggar, co-captain)
Pip Sutherland (Old Reigatians)
Gemma Thomson (Stirling County, co-captain)
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)
Poppy Mellanby (Biggar)
Tamzin Rosie (Caithness)
Niamh Waters (Biggar)
- The main Scotland women’s squad will be off to Cork to face Ireland on August 2 in a Summer Test in preparation for the Rugby World Cup, more details here.
The Guinness Women’s Six Nations runs from March 22 to April 26 and, next up, Scotland are at Hive Stadium in round three versus Italy on April 13 – get tickets for the two Scotland remaining home games here.
Scotland under-18s are pictured at last year’s festival
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