When Emily Coubrough burst through the England defence in the opening minutes of Saturday’s Women’s Six Nations clash at Murrayfield it was apt.
That is the case because she has burst onto the international scene over the last fortnight aged just 19 and done very well.
Some fine displays for Glasgow Warriors in the recent Celtic Challenge competition plus an injury to Evie Gallagher earned her the opportunity to start at No.8 versus Wales and England to date in the competition and she has not looked overawed despite playing at iconic grounds such as the Principality Stadium and Murrayfield in her first two caps.
Scotland cap 249 Coubrough said: “It’s been amazing, a step up for sure and lots of learning and I’ve just enjoyed it so much.
“It’s been a whirlwind for sure, it wasn’t something I expected so soon [to be called up], but I feel like I’ve really stepped up and I’m really proud of how I’ve done that.
“When I heard my name read out on the teamsheet to play Wales in round one it was definitely a shock. Knowing that Evie Gallagher was out I thought it might be a possibility, but to see my name in the team was just amazing.
“I just feel very grateful.
“I’ll be one of the first players in women’s rugby to be able to say that I got my first two caps in such amazing environments. Although the experience has been incredible, the girls around me have been even more incredible, just looking after me and making sure I’m confident and making sure I’m ready to go when required.
“To play in front of a record crowd of 30,498 at Murrayfield last weekend it was so cool.
“Just to see so many people out supporting us and our sport with all the noise and the brilliant atmosphere blew me away.
“Lots and lots of family were there watching me and I saw friends in the crowd too and that was really nice.”
Coubrough, who grew up on her family’s farm just outside of Biggar, first played rugby in senior one after joining Biggar High School’s ‘School of Rugby’ in conjunction with the local rugby club.
Since then, she has represented Biggar, Edinburgh University where she still studies, Scotland age-grade teams and Glasgow Warriors before making the big leap into the Six Nations in recent times.
Emily Coubrough is pictured making her early break versus England – thanks to N50 Photography
The Women’s Six Nations is here and the 2026 event runs from April 11 to May 17 and, between April 6 and May 20, GH Media will be covering Scotland’s campaign and the wider tournament – keep an eye out for content and thanks to everyone who supports GH Media’s work within women’s rugby