Autumn Tests at Scotstoun confirmed for Scotland Women

Philip Doyle’s squad will face Wales (Sunday 17 November) and Japan (Sunday 24 November) at Scotstoun.

The match against Wales will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA following a commitment from the channel to support the Scotland Women matches for a second year running.

Head of Women and Girls Rugby at Scottish Rugby, Gemma Fay, said, “It was fantastic to be able to introduce an Autumn Test series for Scotland Women in 2018. It’s was part of a wider strategy that we have in place to expose our players to more international experience and different styles of play. The opportunity to continue and expand this in 2019 will be key for us looking forward to World Cup Qualification in 2020.

“It will be great to welcome back Wales to Scotland following the closely fought match at the 2019 Six Nations at Scotstoun. This match is only two weeks after the World Cup Final so fans can enjoy watching more International rugby on home soil.

“We are delighted that BBC ALBA will be broadcasting this match along with their commitment to show the Women’s Six Nations home matches on their channel.

“Scotland and Japan have a close relationship right now with the partnerships at Nagasaki. We are delighted to be able to welcome the Japanese Women’s rugby team to Scotland so soon after Scotland Men return from the World Cup in Japan. The team will be wearing the Nagasaki tartan in their strips this season alongside our front of shirt sponsor SP Energy Networks, so it is nice to have add another link to this partnership with Japan.

“This will be the first time in a year and a half that Scotland Women have played at Scotstoun on a weekend afternoon, so we hope that we can encourage fans from right across the country to come and support us in these fixtures.”

Scotland Women’s newly appointed Head Coach, Philip Doyle, said, “Preseason training is going well. We have a few camps coming up and then a fantastic opportunity to travel and play competitively as a squad in South Africa.

“With a new coach, there will always come change. I have been very impressed with how the players are handling this and their willingness to improve in all areas of the game, on and off the pitch.

“I am enjoying this period of getting to know the players and the Autumn Tests will be an ideal way to do this in a competitive environment ahead of the 2020 Six Nations Championships.

“Our main aim right now is to prepare ourselves in the best way possible for Women’s World Cup Qualifiers and these Autumn Tests fixtures are a fantastic way to do this.”

Scotland Women will play Wales at Scotstoun on Sunday 17 November at 3.10pm, followed by Japan on Sunday 24 November at 2.00pm. Ticket information for the matches will be available in the next few weeks. Keep an eye on the Scottish Rugby website and social media channels for updates or sign up to our email newsletter at www.scottishrugby.org/newsletter-signup