Scotland’s pre-Women’s Rugby World Cup warm-up games schedule has now been finalised.
It has been confirmed that the team will play a Summer Test against Italy at the Stadio Luigi Zaffanella in Viadana on July 25.
They will then play Ireland in an already-announced second Summer Test at Virgin Media Park in Cork on August 2.
Scotland faced Italy and Ireland during the recent Guinness Women’s Six Nations, being beaten at Hive Stadium by the former 25-17 and beating the latter 26-19.
The Scots are currently seventh in the world rankings with Italy eighth and Ireland fifth.
After the Italy game was confirmed, Scotland head coach Bryan Easson said: “We’re really looking forward to the Summer Tests against Italy and Ireland.
“These matches will be a vital part of our preparations ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
“Playing two quality sides – who both challenged us during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations this year – away from home gives us the kind of tough, competitive environment we want to expose the squad to.
“It’s a great opportunity to test our systems under pressure whilst still in prep-mode for the Rugby World Cup. Every minute we spend together in this pre-season phase is a step forward, and these Test matches will be key in sharpening our focus and ensuring we’re in the best shape possible for the main event which starts against Wales on August 23.”
Full broadcast information for both matches will be confirmed in due course.
Soon after the Ireland match the current 38-strong extended Scotland training squad will be cut to 32 for the World Cup.
Scotland’s Summer Tests
Italy v Scotland, Friday, July 25, kick-off 6.30pm UK time, Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana
Ireland v Scotland, Saturday, August 2, kick-off TBC, Virgin Media Park, Cork
Rhona Lloyd is pictured taking on Italy in April – thanks to Ruby Adam Photography
GH Media has covered Scotland women’s journey to this point and will be covering Scotland women’s journey right through to the end of the Women’s 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