Two-and-a-half years after being an unused sub versus France aged 18 and then one versus Ireland, 21-year-old centre Nicole Flynn could well finally make her full Scotland debut off the bench this week.
Flynn will be wearing the number 23 jersey at the GIO Stadium in the Australian capital Canberra (Friday, 9.30am UK time, live on RugbyPass TV) when the Scots take on hosts Australia in WXV Global Series action.
She only took up the sport aged 15 at Stirling County, but has since represented that club well along with Edinburgh University, Edinburgh Rugby, Glasgow Warriors and Scotland age-grade sides.
“Nicole was on the bench a couple of years ago and she’s one of the most studious players we’ve got in terms of analytics,” interim head coach Dave Butcher said after selecting her in the matchday 23 this time around.
“You talk to her the next day or so after a game and she’s watched every minute of it and feeds back – her professional behaviours are fantastic.
“There’s no expectations or ego from her in terms of feeling that she should start and she’s just learning her trade.
“We’ve got to start expanding the squad so we’ve got some really good centres with us here in Australia and we’ve got some centres that are still recovering from injury back home.
“Now we’ve got a young centre that’s likely to get exposure this week.”
Rachel Malcolm, the Scotland captain, added: “Nicole is someone who’s been around the squad for a wee while.
“She’s been on a bench before but never had her first cap and she’s quite an outgoing and unique character and she’s someone who is a phenomenal athlete.
“She’s probably one of our fittest players, a very strong carrier and she’s really trying to learn the game as best she can.
“I think to have an opportunity to potentially play at this level this week is only going to take her learning to another level and allow her to take that big step.
“She’s worked really hard for this opportunity and I think she definitely deserves it.”
Nicole Flynn is pictured – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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