Hannah Walker has revealed how she sat on the beach in St Andrews last week and just took a moment to herself to process her unexpected Women’s Rugby World Cup call up.
The 20-year-old former Community School of Auchterarder pupil was part of the wider training squad over the early part of the summer, but the uncapped winger did not play in either of the Italy or Ireland warm up games and was set to miss out on the upcoming showpiece event in England.
However, Lucia Scott broke her hand against Ireland and it meant that a space became available in the 32-strong squad and, last Thursday when it was named in St Andrews, Walker’s name was in it.
At the squad announcement she said: “On the Wednesday evening we were on the beach as a squad and that was really nice.
“We had a wee sauna by the sea and then a campfire.
“I also took some time by myself on the beach as it was a nice, calm moment to take it all in and process my call up.
“Before that it had been a bit of a whirlwind couple of days. I got the call on Tuesday inviting me into the squad so there was a quick turnaround to get to St Andrews and then be involved in the camp.
“I was actually at home and I was like ‘oh mum, I’ve just been called into the World Cup squad’ and she was as stunned as me I think.
“Basically, I packed my bag and got to St Andrews. It doesn’t feel real, but it got a bit more real when we got our kit.
“Kit Christmas, that’s what we call it, it’s just like Christmas for rugby players when you get all your new gear!
“Seriously though, I don’t think it has sunk in yet that I am going to a World Cup.”
Under-20 cap Walker has previously played for her school, Tayside and Fife and Stirling County and now plays for Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Rugby.
She is the youngest player in the Scotland squad, but does not think she will have to carry a cuddly toy everywhere during the tournament like Henry Polock had to do on the recent British & Irish Lions men’s tour.
“No, apparently not, but we will see,” she joked.
“I just want to try and enjoy it as best as I can in each moment.
“The opportunity to play in a World Cup does not come often so I am just going to put my best foot forward, train hard and take it all in.
“This is a big thing for me at such a young age.”
The World Cup event runs from August 22 to September 27 and the Scotland pool matches are against Wales in Manchester on August 23, Fiji in Manchester on August 30 and Canada in Exeter on September 6.
The Scotland squad arrived in Manchester on Friday and will take part in a welcome ceremony on Sunday.
- The Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership for 2025/26 began on Saturday with wins for Stirling County, Corstorphine Cougars, Hillhead Jordanhill and Heriot’s.
Scotland Women’s Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Becky Boyd, Sarah Bonar, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Evie Gallagher, Adelle Ferrie, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (C), Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Molly Poolman, Lana Skeldon, Alex Stewart, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young.
Backs: Leia Brebner-Holden, Beth Blacklock, Rhea Clarke, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills.
Hannah Walker is pictured at the squad announcement – thanks to N50 Photography
From August 7 until September 30, GH Media will be following the Scotland World Cup journey all of the way. We will be at all of the Scotland matches down south and will be bringing you all of the interviews and news from camp as well as taking a wider look at the tournament as a whole and its impact on the women’s game. Thanks to Quirky Chocolate and other supporters for allowing this content to happen and to readers for engaging with it.