Dalgliesh names Scotland Women U21 training squad

The selected group features a balance of 15 backs and 19 forwards, blending experience with emerging talent from across the domestic and university game.

Sixteen players return from last year’s Six Nations Summer Series, while 22 members of the squad have gained valuable game time in this season’s Celtic Challenge, underlining the depth and development within the pathway.

A number of players selected are involved with Scottish Rugby’s Central Programme, including Emily Norval, Nicole Flynn, Poppy Mellanby, Megan Hyland, Talei Tawake and Sky Phimister.

Holland Bogan (second row), Emily Coubrough (back-row), Poppy Fletcher (loosehead prop), Imogen Spence (tighthead prop), Aicha Sutcliffe (hooker), Ceitidh Ainsworth (stand-off) and Rianna Darroch (scrum-half) will train with senior Scotland Women squad during their Guinness Women’s Six Nations preparation as part of their ongoing development and will also be available for Scotland Women U21s squad selection.

Speaking on the training squad, Dalgliesh said: This is an exciting group with a strong mix of experience and emerging talent. It’s particularly encouraging to see so many players building on their involvement from last year and gaining further exposure through the Celtic Challenge.

“The connection with the senior squad is a key part of our pathway, and it’s fantastic that several players will have the opportunity to train in that environment while continuing to contribute to the U21 programme.

“The Six Nations U21 Series is an important step in their development, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the squad continues to grow over the coming weeks.”

Scotland Women U21 Training Squad

Forwards

Aisla Merryweather – Glasgow Warriors/Surrey University
Alina Prokopenko – Edinburgh Rugby/Heriots Rugby Club
Catriona Moody – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh
Charlotte Russell – Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC
Daisy Morrison – Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County
Ella Rae – Stirling County
Ellie Moffat – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh
Emily Barbour – Newcastle University
Gemma Thomson – Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County
Isla Gillan – Glasgow Warriors/Hillhead Jordanhill
Isobel Twigger – Brunel
Kara Borthwick – Watsonian FC
Kaylee McHugh – Saracens
Libby Naughton – Cardiff Met
Lily Crisp – Loughborough University
Lucy Finch – Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough University
Megan Hyland – Glasgow Warriors/Heriots Rugby Club
Scarlet Down – Brunel University/Ealing Trailfinders Women
Talei Tawake – Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC

Backs

Charlotte Heath – Exeter University
Emily Love – Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC
Emily Norval – Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County
Faye Sutherland – Edinburgh Rugby/Heriots Rugby Club
Freya MacColl – Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough University
Hannah Smyth – Glasgow Warriors/Hartpury University
Iona Woodhouse – Durham University
Lisa Brown – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh
Lucy MacRae – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh
Millie Warren – Glasgow Warriors/Hillhead Jordanhill
Nicole Flynn – Glasgow Warriors/University of Edinburgh
Poppy Mellanby – Glasgow Warriors/University of Edinburgh
Rebekah Douglas – Stirling County/Glasgow Warriors
Scarlett Haddow – Edinburgh Rugby/Stirling County
Sky Phimister – Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County

Scotland Women U21 – 2026 Six Nations Series Fixtures

Scotland v England – Saturday 18 April, KO 11:00, Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
France v Scotland – Saturday 2 May, KO 14:00, Stade Maurice Trelut, Tarbes
Scotland v Italy – Sunday 10 May, KO 13:00, Hive Stadium, Edinburgh