The results may not have gone their way, but it was certainly a weekend to remember for up-and coming talents Rianna Darroch and Megan Hyland.
The 20-year-old duo were involved with Scotland versus England for the full team and the under-21 team respectively on Saturday.
Scrum-half Darroch came off the bench to make her full debut and become Scotland cap 252 in front of a record crowd of 30,498 at Murrayfield as the visitors won 84-7 in round two of the Women’s Six Nations.
And, earlier in the day, hooker Hyland had the honour of captaining the under-21s at Hive Stadium as England won 51-12 in the age-grade Six Nations Series opener.
Just over a year ago, Aviemore’s Darroch was still learning the scrum-half position and was representing Glasgow Warriors for the first time.
It was a steep learning curve for her, but one she took in her stride and now she is reaping the benefits and new Scotland head coach Sione Fukofuka has clearly seen something that he likes in the Hillhead Jordanhill player’s game.
A keen swimmer previously, Darroch only took up rugby aged 15 after sessions were started at her school. She then played for Highland and now she is an internationalist.
Fukofuka said after the England game: “Rianna came off the pitch with a big smile on her face, obviously she was disappointed in the result, but some of her involvements were really positive.
“She will grow from this moment and we are excited for her.”
Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm added: “Rianna was brilliant.
“To come on against the world champions and steady the ship a little bit early on [when Leia Brebner-Holden was off for an HIA] and then to come on later on again in front of a big crowd she did really well.
“She’s got a massive future ahead of her and she has a brilliant skill set. For me, the test of a player isn’t when they play, it’s when they don’t.
“Against Wales as an unused sub she was hugely disappointed not to play, but the way that she bounced back is exactly what she’s about.
“We’re proud to have her as part of our group.”
Meanwhile, Hyland says it is a “real privilege” to be leading the under-21s currently.
Hyland’s rugby journey began when she was young when a taster session at her primary school left her hooked.
Originally from Stonehaven, she played from primary two to primary seven at the Mackie club and then she had spells with Montrose and Dundee and, in her senior career to date, she has played for Garioch, Heriot’s and Glasgow Warriors.
After the England under-21 game, Hyland said: “I didn’t actually expect at all to be made under-21 captain, I was very, very surprised when I was asked.
“It’s a real privilege to be asked to captain the squad, especially with the experienced girls that are around in the group.
“It’s incredible and it’s an absolute privilege to be able to say that I’m the captain of that group of women because they are brilliant.
“In terms of the game, we were frustrated by the end result, but there was lots of positives to take from it.
“And I spoke to the English captain before we went onto the pitch, for us be able to play just before the biggest Scotland women’s game ever and be a part of such a massive event was just amazing for us all, especially when we have friends in the main team.
The leaps and bounds women’s rugby is coming on at just now is incredible and to be a part of it is really exciting as a young player.”
Rianna Darroch and Megan Hyland are pictured – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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