Malcolm’s magnificent 50

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Scotland's Mairi McDonald, Rachel Malcolm and Lisa Cockburn celebrate at full time during an Autumn Test match between Scotland and Wales at the Hive Stadium, on September 06, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

This Saturday, at Cape Town’s iconic DHL Stadium, another chapter of the story will be written, as Rachel Malcolm, the team’s fearless leader, celebrates her 50th cap – a monumental achievement that makes her only the 28th player in Scotland Women’s history to reach this milestone.

Rachel earned her first cap back in 2016 against Spain at Scotstoun Stadium, only a few years after making a bold transition from hockey to rugby.

“I’ve played sport for as long as I can remember,” Rachel reflects.

“Growing up my parents were always so supportive when it came to sport, they took us to every sport or club under the sun. No matter which sport me or my siblings were interested in, they gave us a great opportunity to try everything. I think having that support makes a massive difference for any kid growing up.”

Her first love was hockey, and rugby wasn’t even on her radar despite her dad and brothers being immersed in the sport.

But life has a funny way of steering you towards your true calling, and when she started playing touch rugby for fun, people began to see what she couldn’t yet – the makings of a rugby star.

It didn’t take long before she was hooked.

“As soon as I stepped on the pitch for that first training session, I fell in love with it.

“It’s been such a journey. When I first came into the sport, I was very much a catch the ball and run, low chop tackle kind of player. That was kind of it to my game, but I have been so lucky to work alongside worldclass players and coaches who have given me the chance to develop my skill set and shape me into the player I am today.”

Despite arriving to rugby later than many, Rachel’s meteoric rise through the ranks is a testament to her dedication. She went from strength to strength, not only earning a place in the Scotland squad but eventually being named captain in the 2019/20 season.

Rachel Malcolm in action on debut.

For those who have seen her in action – whether rallying her teammates, communicating with referees, or speaking to the media – it’s no surprise she’s wearing the captain’s armband. Her natural leadership radiates. What may come as a surprise however, is that in her early days, Rachel dabbled in the dark-arts of the front-row, and on occasion was a replacement hooker.

“I was super fortunate to come into Scotland camp pretty early on in my career but at the time they were a bit low on hooker options through injury and our head coach at the time, Shade Munro, suggested, having coached both my brothers, who are hookers, that I might be able to expand my game by looking at learning to throw.

“I was at Litchfield at the time, and Amy Cockayne, England hooker was there at the time, so she actually taught me how to throw. I remember nights at Loughborough University on a basketball court with her, targeting the ball at the hoop and learning the tricks of the trade.

“I only ever really filled in as a hooker and there have been occasions early on in my career where I’ve had to step in to that position. But as an athlete I get such satisfaction out of learning new skills and bettering myself.

“I’m obviously very settled now as a flanker, and I’ve been really focused on trying to be the best I can be for my country and perform as a worldclass six.”

Rachel scoring against Fiji in the Vodafone Series at Hive Stadium.

Rachel’s approach to her 50^th cap in surprisingly one of selflessness as she reflects on the journey of others before her.

“Not many people reach this kind of milestone”, she said.

“When I first started my career, we only really had the Six Nations, so it was five Test matches a year and that’s what it was like for the majority of the players who have come before us.

“For the first three years of my career I was unfortunately injured so I started out really slow so a milestone like this was never in my sights, especially coming into the game at 25. We’re now getting more exposure to Test match rugby than ever before and that’s what has allowed us to push on.”

She added: “I always told myself it’s not about the number of caps or the number of minutes I play in my career, it’s about filling those minutes and filling those caps with every ounce of my effort.”

Something that is certainly consistent for any player reaching this special occasion are the emotions around those who have supported you along the way.

“Milestones like this feel more about the people who have got you there. Not many people get to his milestone without hard times and without needing the support of those around you.

“I feel so lucky to be supported by an incredible team, incredible family and friendship group outside of rugby who have supported me, so this feels a little bit more for them than for me.

“My first cap will always be as special as my last, whenever that will be. Earning my 50th out here in this tournament, when we are looking to defend our title will be really special.”

With her 50th cap, Rachel Malcolm adds another landmark to her notable place in Scotland’s rugby history, but her journey is far from over.