The programme, which is being delivered in partnership with sportscotland, national agency for sport in Scotland, offers enhanced support aimed at developing players’ technical and tactical performance, and allows them to access performance lifestyle coaching, strength and conditioning and medical support.

Alex Stewart, who was capped for Scotland Women during the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations is amongst those attached to the programme.

In addition to the young back row, there are 18 players who were recently capped for Scotland Women U20 in the Six Nations Summer Series. Amongst those are Aila Ronald, Merryn Gunderson, Holland Bogan, Natasha Logan and Nicole Flynn, who have all been involved with both the Celtic Challenge and the senior national team during the course of 2024.

A further level of support is being offered to 54 players at U16 and U18 age grade level, allowing them to access additional development opportunities via the Vodafone Regional Training Centres (RTCs), which were first established in July 2023.

The RTCs are supported by Vodafone, the Principal Partner of Scottish Rugby’s Women’s Pathway, supporting the growth of the women’s game in Scotland by helping to develop a clear talent pipeline.

On the announcement, Robbie Lavery, Scottish Rugby’s Women & Girls Pathway Manager said: “It is vital for the growth of our national team and age grade sides that we continue to provide bases for upcoming talent and provide the best platform possible to develop and hone their skills, while allowing them to gain a greater breadth of knowledge about high performance rugby.

“The structures we now have in place are beginning to bear fruit and drive new standards, which is evident in the way that our Scottish teams have been performing in the likes of the Celtic Challenge and with the number of young players who are being brought into the senior training environment.”

Speaking on her experiences from being involved firstly with the Regional Training Centres, and now with the Academy, Scotland Women U20 cap, Nicole Flynn said: “Having joined the pathway early in my rugby journey, I believe it has been crucial to my development as a player.

“The pathway has so far served as a vital link in the development chain, offering players like me a smoother transition to the next stage of my rugby career, whether that be progressing to the women’s premiership, the Celtic Challenge, or the international stage.

“I have found it really beneficial to train with people I wouldn’t normally train with—including those I’ve played against. I think it helps promote a strong sense of community for Scottish women’s rugby.

“Our strength and conditioning facilities are excellent. We’re lucky to have S&C coaches whose experience and specific gym programmes help us to meet the physical demands of the game. It’s satisfying to see the work we put in at the gym translate to performance on the pitch, whether it’s in leg drive during tackles or simply running faster.

“After being injured, I’ve been fortunate to have access to the top-level medical treatment provided by Scottish Rugby. My rehab plans were tailored to me based on my injury and recovery stage, ensuring I can return to training fully fit.”

Scottish Rugby Women’s Academy Players

Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars, U23)
Autumn MacDougal (Biggar, U18)
Bethan Mathieson (Dunfermline, U18)
Cailin Lardner (Stirling County, U18)
Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County, U23)
Daisy Morrison (Stirling County, U18)
Eilidh Fleming (Stirling County, U20)
Ella Rae (Stirling County, U16)
Ellie Moffat (Watsonians RFC, U18)
Ellie Williamson (Stirling County, U23)
Emily Coubrough (University of Edinburgh, U18)
Emily Sansom (Stirling County, U18)
Erinn Foley (Hillhead Jordanhill, U23)
Gemma Thomson (Stirling County, U18)
Hannah Ramsay (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Holly McIntyre (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Holly Wilson (Biggar, U18)
Holland Bogan (Stirling County, U20)
Imogen Spence (Biggar, U18)
Josie Foubister (University of Edinburgh, U18)
Karis Craig (Watsonian FC, U20)
Layla Mitchell (Garioch, U18)
Lisa Brown (University of Edinburgh, U18)
Louise Taperell (West of Scotland, U20)
Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh, U20)
Lucy Ronald (Strathendrick, U18)
Megan Hyland (Garioch, U20)
Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars, U23)
Molly Poolman (Watsonian FC, U23)
Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh, U20)
Niamh Waters (Currie, U18)
Piper Burrows (Garioch, U18)
Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Poppy Mellanby (Biggar, U18)
Rebekah Douglas (Corstorphine Cougars, U20)
Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Rianna Darroch (Hillhead Jordanhill, U20)
Robyn Allan (Currie, U18)
Saba Alexander (Garioch RFC, U18)
Scarlett Haddow (Stirling County, U18)
Sky Phimister (Stirling County, U23)
Talei Tawake (Watsonian FC, U20)