Long-time team mates and close friends Louise McMillan and Christine Belisle have opened up on their emotions having not been named in Scotland’s 38-strong Women’s Rugby World Cup extended training squad.
Second-row/back-row McMillan, 27, and tighthead prop Belisle, 31, have won 58 and 41 caps for their country respectively.
Birkmyre and Hillhead Jordanhill product McMillan made her debut back in late 2016 versus Spain aged 19 and her last appearance came versus Australia in WXV 2 late last year.
Belisle, who grew up in Canada, qualifies for Scotland via residency and made her debut on a tour of South Africa in 2019.
Her last appearance came versus Wales in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations earlier this year.
Both were at the World Cup in New Zealand in 2022.
McMillan’s statement that she has penned seems to suggest she would be available if a Scotland recall ever comes, but she does not envisage that – “I hope this isn’t the end, but I’m also self-aware to read the writing on the wall”.
Belise, who left the squad after the aforementioned Wales game in the Six Nations, seems to be ended her Scotland career in her statement – “my heart is heavy that it’s over”.
McMillan wrote on Instagram: “For the past eight years, playing for Scotland has been the heartbeat of my life.
“Every decision, every sacrifice, was made with that thistle in mind.
“The initial sting of being dropped from WXV last September was suffocating.
“But I was spared by my team-mate’s misfortune. I poured everything into those five games of tour, immensely proud to have played every game despite initially being dropped.
“Entering the Six Nations, I truly believed I had proven my worth, that my value to the team was clear.
“The reality was a crushing blow. This time the heart didn’t stop or get forgotten, it was very much lived through.
“I’ve never doubted or hated myself more, allowing the opinions of a few coaches to define my entire self-worth.
“There was a slow dawning that, despite injuries in my position, I wouldn’t be recalled, confirming the painful truth that my journey with this coaching team was nearing its end.
“My World Cup dream, my professional contract slipped from my grasp.
“Unfortunately, hope is a killer. I spent a month waiting for a call that I knew would come, but I call I desperately didn’t want to receive. Confirming all my hard work wasn’t enough.
“The last few months have been a torrent of pain, but I refused to let it overshadow the incredible collection of memories and the legacy I’ve woven representing my country 58 times.
“I was 19 when I first pulled on that shirt, a dream so far-fetched I hadn’t even dared to dream it. I was the Minis player picking grass with no natural talent, but I worked hard, I trained in environments ill-suited for women where basic respect was absent. I woke before 6am, walked 45 minutes in all weather to sessions others quit. I built a career to support my rugby, balancing internships and studies, never missing a session I could make.
“I forged deep, deep friendships born from shared traumas and the highest of highs.
“I’ve travelled the world, met incredible people and witnessed the monumental growth of women’s rugby – from crowds of family and friends only to sold-out stadiums.
“I’ve got to make my family proud and have them witness me run out solo onto the pitch to receive my 50th cap.
“Truly, I am the luckiest girl in the world and won’t let this difficult ending rewrite the narrative of an unbelievable chapter.
“This journey wouldn’t have been what it was without the incredible supporters who have followed every step. From the smallest crowds to sold-out stadiums, your energy was always felt, and your belief in me meant more than words can say.
“And to my amazing friends and family, you’ve been there for every early morning, every triumph and every tear.
“You’ve celebrated with me, picked me up when I stumbled and provided a safe space to simply be. Your unwavering encouragement and boundless love are treasures I hold dear and I’m eternally grateful for each of you.
“I can’t wait over the coming months to be an even better daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend to you all.
“I hope this isn’t the end, but I’m also self-aware to read the writing on the wall.
“Playing for Scotland was an honour, a privilege and a bloody dream come true. I wish my team-mates all the best in the World Cup and can’t wait to cheer them on.
“With love, Lou #196 [her cap number].”
And cap number 214 Belisle wrote on Instagram: “It’s truly been the honour of my life to play for Scotland.
“Now that the squad has been announced, I want to start by congratulating all the players selected – I will always be your number one fan, and I genuinely wish you all the best for what’s ahead.
“To say the past few weeks (and honestly, months) have been a whirlwind wouldn’t come close to capturing it.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time and I wanted to reiterate how grateful I am for the support of the people I have around me. You’ve helped me navigate through an extremely difficult, and, quite frankly, pretty weird time.
“I’ve come to accept that this is a situation I have no control over so, instead, I have been – and will continue to – pour my energy into the things I can control and into the things that make me truly happy, even when it feels easier to remain stagnant and heartbroken.
“This isn’t how I imagined my international journey would end, but I’m so proud to have been part of such an incredible group of women and so lucky to have had the opportunity and privilege to wear the thistle and represent Scotland.
“My heart is heavy that it’s over, but I hold my head high, and will always be proud of what I leave behind.
“Thank you for having me, CB.”
- Liz Musgrove, the 28-year-old winger who was at the 2022 World Cup and was also not part of the 38-strong squad named this week said via an Instagram story: “And sometimes all you’ve got is not enough.
“Backing the girls all the way on their RWC journey.”
Musgrove has won 18 caps since 2018.
Louise McMillan and Christine Belisle are pictured
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