The new women’s Arnold Clark National League gets underway on Sunday and three of the six clubs involved – Ayr, Dundee Valkyries and Greenock Wanderers – are looking forward to it.
The National League has been brought in this term to sit in between the Premiership and the regional leagues and the winners of the league will have the opportunity to go up to the Premiership for 2027/28 so it is an exciting competition.
Ayr captain Catherine Shennan said: “Ayr ladies are really excited to get the opportunity to take part in the newly restructured National League and getting to challenge ourselves against some unfamiliar opponents as the league now exposes us to teams from across Scotland.
“As a squad we have been working really hard behind the scenes to develop our longer serving players while welcoming some new girls into our group to really add some competition to our team selection process.
“This season really looks to be an exciting new chapter for us as a squad as we now have more access to better training opportunities and facilities that Ayr have on offer with the recent developments.
“We truly feel that Ayr ladies is the perfect place for all women who are looking to step onto the pitch, from new players to experienced players and with opportunities for all to challenge themselves.”
Ayr were third in West One last term while Dundee won Caledonia Midlands/East One and their co-captain Stephanie Craig, who will lead with Laura MacCormick, said: “There’s a real excitement around the National League.
“It’s a big step for women’s rugby in Scotland and, after the growth we’ve had as a squad over the last few seasons, we’re really looking forward to testing ourselves at that level.
“Pre-season has gone well and the squad is looking in really good shape. We’ve got a good mix of experience and younger players coming through and there’s a real hunger within the group to see what we can do. We know it’s going to be a step up for both the ones and the seconds (the latter now in Caledonia Midlands/East One after promotion) and there will be some tough challenges, but that’s exactly what we want and what we need.
“We’re definitely not going into the National League just happy to be there, we want to compete and hopefully we can make a real impact in the league. There’s a really good buzz around the squad at the moment and everyone is looking forward to getting started.”
Greenock Wanderers were fourth in West One last term and Julia Ballingall and Rebecca McDiarmid are the co-captains.
Head coach Graham Knox said: “We are very excited to be in National One.
“It’s going to be super competitive with six ambitious clubs within the league.
“We know West, Ayr and Wigtownshire well, but it’s great that Dundee and Highland are in the league too.
“Our squad is looking good, we have such a committed group and with some new additions added so we are looking forward to the new season.
It’s also massive that we get to play the Premiership clubs in the Sarah Beaney Cup this year and this is a huge development tool for us to help our players see what it takes to play in the Premiership.
“At Greenock we have a full pathway of girls coming through at under-10, 12, 14 and 16 age groups so the future looks bright and as a club we are all looking forward to what the it holds.”
The fixtures are here.
The three clubs featured are pictured
It is shaping up to be an exciting 2026/27 season for women’s rugby in Scotland and GH Media will be covering it in detail – if any companies are keen to support this content please send an email to gary@gh-media.co.uk