Scottish Rugby has unveiled an exclusive limited edition t-shirt to mark the historic upcoming Scotland versus England fixture.
The match between the two old rivals at Murrayfield on April 18 in round two of the Women’s Six Nations is set to attract the largest crowd ever recorded for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland.
Created by Glasgow-based visual artist and designer Alice Brown in collaboration with players from the Scotland Women squad, the artwork featured on the t-shirt is a vibrant collage.
It celebrates the players, supporters and traditions that define Scottish rugby, allowing supporters to wear a piece of the story behind this landmark occasion.
The t-shirt is available in limited quantities, it is current sold out online as of April 3, but there is still stock available in the Macron Store at Murrayfield and the governing body will be restocking online.
In the artwork, the word ‘Laoch’ – Gaelic for warrior – appears alongside a claymore, symbolising not only the strength and determination of the squad but also their deep sense of national pride.
The artwork also pays tribute to the iconic matchday atmosphere at Murrayfield, featuring a piper standing proudly to represent ‘the Lone Piper’ playing from the stadium roof before kick-off, one of the most recognisable traditions in Scottish rugby.
Throughout the illustration, subtle details celebrate moments within the team environment. A message in a bottle bearing ‘Rach’ references the inspirational pre-match speeches from captain Rachel Malcolm that players often say they wish they could ‘bottle up’ while a puzzle piece and playing cards reflect the downtime and team bonding shared by the squad during camps and tours.
The design also honours the wider Scottish rugby community. A referee’s whistle nods to the success of Scottish referee Hollie Davidson while a beehive symbolises Hive Stadium, the regular home ground of Scotland women.
Fans are woven into the story too, with illustrated supporters wearing crochet thistles and heart-shaped glasses, inspired by real fans who have backed the team at major tournaments and helped create the unique atmosphere that there is at Scotland’s matches.
Across the artwork, purple heather and thistles evoke the Scottish landscape while architectural shapes and lines mirror the structure of the stadium itself. A right-pointing arrow symbolises the moment the team turn out of the changing rooms and head onto the Murrayfield pitch.
The design also subtly acknowledges the match opposition, England, through roses woven into the illustration.
This project was led and developed inhouse by the Scottish Rugby marketing, commercial and communications departments as part of a drive to try new ideas for the ‘Making Moves’ matchday activations around the April 18 clash.
Alice Brown from Alice’s Illustrations said: “I worked with Scottish Rugby on the Making Moves campaign to create a bespoke illustration to be printed on a special edition t-shirt to mark the biggest game in Scottish women’s rugby with the purpose of celebrating the fans at the heart of it all.
“Packed with hidden details the artwork captures the energy, pride and community coming together on this landmark occasion for the sport.”
Scotland hooker Elis Martin added: “This was such a cool project to work on and I was happy to help guide the artist on behalf of the team to give insights into the squad and our fans.
“We know women’s sports fans love unique pieces of merchandise like this so to be able to provide our supporters with something completely different and unique is really special.
“The t-shirt celebrates the team ‘making moves’ from Hive Stadium to Scottish Gas Murrayfield and is bespoke to our team and our fanbase.
“The elements of the illustration point to things that are meaningful to us, like the female lone piper illustration which alludes to the fact that, for the first time, our team will have a lone piper on the roof to bring in the national anthem at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. I can’t wait to see our fans wearing the t-shirt in the stands at the Scotland versus England game.”
Scotland players Leia Brebner-Holden, Alex Stewart and Elis Martin are pictured wearing the new t-shirt and the the artwork design is also pictured – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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