Scotland team named for Guinness Women’s Six Nations finale in Belfast

Scotland's Fi McIntosh and Emma Orr celebrate after the 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations Championship Round 4 between Italy and Scotland in Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, Italy Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (Photo by Giuseppe Fama / Inpho)

In the forwards, there is just one change to the starting line-up with Emma Wassell linking up with Louise McMillan in the second row, returning having had time away after her mother, Pauline, sadly passed away.

Molly Wright, Lana Skeldon and Christine Belisle will join forces once more in the front row, anchored by captain Rachel Malcolm, Alex Stewart and Evie Galagher in the back row.

With the absence of Rhona Lloyd, who has a pre-agreed release to Great Britain Sevens and Chloe Rollie, who received a three-week ban earlier this week after receiving a red card against Italy, there are two changes to the backs. Coreen Grant steps back into the starting team on the right wing, and Meryl Smith returns to full-back, having played against Wales and France in this position. Francesca McGhie completes the back-three on the left wing.

At centre, Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr continue their partnership, followed by Helen Nelson and Caity Mattinson at stand-off and scrum-half respectively.

The replacements comprise a five-three split of forwards and backs, with Elis Martin (hooker), Leah Bartlett (loosehead prop) and Elliann Clarke (tighthead) named as front-row cover, with Eva Donaldson and Rachel McLachlan completing options for the pack. Scrum-half Mairi McDonald is joined by potential debutants Cieron Bell (wing) and centre Nicole Flynn.

Scotland team to take on Ireland in Round 5 of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2024. The match will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two Northern Ireland – Saturday 27 April, kick-off 2.30pm.

15. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (16)
14. Coreen Grant – Saracens (10)
13. Emma Orr – Heriot’s Blues (18)
12. Lisa Thomson – GB Sevens (59)
11. Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (11)

10. Helen Nelson (vice-captain) – Loughborough Lightning (59)
9. Caity Mattinson – Gloucester-Hartpury (22)

1. Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (22)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (69)
3. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (34)
4. Emma Wassell – Loughborough Lightning
5. Louise McMillan – Saracens (52)
6. Rachel Malcolm (captain) – Loughborough Lightning (46)
7. Alex Stewart – Corstorphine Cougars (4)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (26)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Leicester Tigers (9)
17. Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (34)
18. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (10)
19. Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (10)
20. Rachel McLachlan – Sale Sharks (42)
21. Mairi McDonald – Exeter Chiefs (22)
22. Cieron Bell – University of Edinburgh (uncapped)
23. Nicole Flynn – University of Edinburgh (uncapped)