Scotland women’s rugby league head coach Gareth Nicholson says he is “really proud” after the squad defeated USA in Las Vegas.
As the sport continues to grow north of the border this was a very exciting tour for all three squads – the men and the men’s under-19s were also over there – for games that took place on February 28.
Before the trip we heard from Betti Ginnelly and Ciorstaidh Ainsworth who play rugby union for Stewartry and Stirling County respectively.
They have both been on a journey with Scotland Rugby League women in recent months and that is just continuing after this 26-14 triumph stateside.
“I’m really proud of all the girls,” Nicholson said.
“You could see what it meant to them and the emotion on their faces at the end.
“It’s a fantastic result and I have to give credit to every single one of them, they all played their part. Preparation wasn’t ideal with three of the squad only arriving the night before the game, but they dug deep and got the job done.
“It was probably closer than it should’ve been as they scored from our mistakes, but, fair play to the USA, they took advantage. They’ve got some really talented athletes in their squad and can certainly hold their heads up high.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who made this trip possible.”
At Coronado High School, Scotland led 10-0 at half-time and dealt with a USA fightback before getting the 26-14 triumph to add to their first ever international win over Jamaica in Featherstone in November.
In the other games in the USA, the Scotland men lost out 28-20 and the men’s under-19s won 30-10.
The Scotland women’s rugby league squad are pictured during their recent Las Vegas tour – thanks to Scotland Rugby League