Gunderson and Brebner-Holden return for final Summer Series match against Ireland

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 19: Merryn Gunderson during a Scotland women rugby training session at Hive Stadium, on March 19, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Merryn Gunderson and Leia Brebner-Holden, who were involved in Scotland’s 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations squad, return to the starting lineup having missed out against France through injury.

Co-captain Poppy Fletcher returns to starting loosehead, packing down with Aila Ronald (hooker) and Eilidh Fleming on the tighthead side.

Holland Bogan and Natasha Logan recommence their partnership from Scotland’s match against Italy, taking their place in the second row.

Gemma Bell, who scored Scotland’s try against France on Tuesday retains a starting position, along with Megan Hyland who has started at number eight in each of the previous games. Finally, Gunderson returns to the blindside to complete the forward pack.

Brebner-Holden will once again strike partnership with stand-off Ceitidh Ainsworth.

The remainder of the backline remains unchanged from Scotland’s clash against France with Lucy MacRae and Lucia Scott partnering in midfield, alongside co-captain Hannah Walker, Sky Phimister and Izzy McGuire-Evans in the back-three positions.

Both Poppy Clarkson and Lucy Christie could be in line for winning their first Scotland Women U20 cap as forward replacements, alongside fellow pack members Karis Craig, Chloe Brown, Samaanther Taganekurukuru and Lauryn Walter, who are also on the bench.

The matchday 23 is completed by scrum-half, Rhea Clarke, and stand-off, Hannah Ramsay.

Nicole Flynn, Molly Poolman and Ellie Williamson are unavailable for selection through injury, and continue to be looked after by the medical team.

Speaking ahead of the match, Cruikshank said: “We’ve been really pleased with what we have displayed in the competition so far and our final game against Ireland gives us an opportunity to end our time in Parma on a really positive note.

“The aim of this tournament is to nurture and develop future talent, and this has undoubtedly been a great learning experience for the group – adapting to new opposition, changes to the team, the climate and games with quick turnaround.

“These experiences are vital for their progression and our entire management team is very proud of their adaptability and how they have fronted up to each challenge so far.”

Scotland Women U20 team to face Ireland at Sergio Lanfranchi Stadium, Parma (kick off 9am BST) – live on scottishrugby.org.

15. Izzy McGuire-Evans (Sale Sharks/Glasgow Warriors)

14. Sky Phimister (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)*
13. Lucia Scott (Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury)
12. Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh/Glasgow Warriors)*
11. Hannah Walker CO-CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh Rugby)*

10. Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)*
9. Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester Hartpury/Edinburgh Rugby)

1. Poppy Fletcher CO-CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh Rugby)*
2. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh Rugby)*
3. Eilidh Fleming (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)*
4. Holland Bogan (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)*
5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh Rugby)*
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars/Edinburgh Rugby)*
7. Gemma Bell (Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury/Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Megan Hyland (Garioch/Glasgow Warriors)*

Replacements

16. Karis Craig (Watsonian FC/Glasgow Warriors)*
17. Chloe Brown (Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors)*
18. Poppy Clarkson (Biggar)*
19. Lucy Christie (Newcastle University)
20. Samanther Tagnanekurukuru (Stirling County/Edinburgh Rugby)*
21. Lauryn Walter (Brunel University/Ealing Trailfinders)
22. Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh/Glasgow Warriors)*
23. Hannah Ramsay (Unattached/Edinburgh Rugby)*

*Regional Training Centre supported player