Scotland women’s scrum-half Rhea Clarke says it was “so special” to be able to make her first start for her country alongside her sister Elliann.
On Saturday at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, the result did not go the Scots’ way as they lost out 64-26 to third in the world Canada in their WXV Global Series opener.
However, it was still a big day for Fifer Clarke, 23, as she earned her fifth cap and it was her first from the start rather than from off the bench.
And with her sibling Elliann, 25, earning cap number 30 at tighthead prop from the start it was a day to remember for the Clarke clan.
“It was so special to be starting alongside Elliann,” Rhea, the former Dunfermline, Stirling County, Edinburgh University and Bristol Bears playmaker now with Glasgow Warriors, said.
“It is really nice to have her there as someone who knows me so well and has always got my back regardless. She’s, for me, such an inspiration.
“She works so hard, and it’s something that I really try and emulate as well. She’s quite small I would say for an international tighthead, but she makes such an impact and that is just amazing to me.
“She always picks me back up and points me in the right direction and she’s a very good big sister so to start a game together was brilliant and we had a number of family members in the crowd too.
“I definitely enjoyed it, it’s a special one to remember and one you dream of really.
“I think my mum was probably more nervous than I was, but it was really great to have family there.”
After seventh in the world Scotland lost this one 10 tries to four, things are not likely to get any easier when they welcome second in the world New Zealand to the Hive this coming weekend.
Scotland have not played the Black Ferns a lot over the years so it should be quite a landmark occasion and Rhea added: “Obviously it would be a dream to play against the Black Ferns whether that’s a start or off the bench.
“It would be incredible and I just need to work hard at training in the coming days and see where that takes me.
“As a squad we know where we need to improve and we’ll be working together to get things right ahead of the weekend.”
Next up in the Vodafone Scotland WXV Series campaign – part of the wider WXV Global Series presented by Mitsubishi Electric featuring the top sides in the world – is New Zealand this coming Saturday and then Scotland are hosting Australia on September 26, both at the Hive.
Scotland’s away WXV Global Series fixtures will take place against Australia on October 17 and October 23.
Rhea Clarke is pictured celebrating a try versus Canada – thanks to Peter Watt Photography
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