Doyle names squad for Tests at Scotstoun

The squad, which features four uncapped players combined with a raft of experienced players, will play against Wales on Sunday 17 November and Japan on Sunday 24 November. Both Tests will be held at Scotstoun and will be broadcast live via BBC Alba (for the Wales match) and the Scottish Rugby website (Japan).

Announced as captain for the season ahead is flanker Rachel Malcolm. She will be joined by her fellow Loughborough Lightning teammates Sarah Bonar, Rhona Lloyd, Jenny Maxwell and Helen Nelson, with Nelson supporting Malcolm as the team’s vice-captain.

Hooker Lana Skeldon has been ruled out due to injury so the front row will be made up of Lisa Cockburn, Megan Kennedy, Panashe Muzambe, Mairi Forsyth and Jodie Rettie.

Supporting in the pack will be Emma Wassell, Rachel McLachlan, Louise McMillan, Christine Belisle and Jade Konkel.

Sarah Law and Elizabeth Musgrove are also recovering from injury so will not be featuring in the Autumn Tests.

South African tour squad members Abi Evans, Megan Gaffney, Mhairi Grieve, Chloe Rollie, Hannah Smith and Lisa Thomson have also been selected.

Four uncapped players are in the squad for the upcoming Tests. Evie Gallagher and Sarah Denholm have come through from the Scottish Futures Programme with Denholm travelling to South Africa earlier this season. A new cap could also come from Evie Tonkin and Alex Wallace who have come to the Scotland Women Performance Programme from the Scottish Qualified Programme.

Philip Doyle said on the selection: “We had a fantastic start to the season in South Africa against a very physical team. I was proud of the squad’s performance when we came away with two away wins.

“Whilst it was two very positive performances, we still had a lot to work on ahead of these upcoming Tests. A training weekend earlier this month allowed us to train together again and also introduce some new players.

“Rachel Malcolm really impressed me in South Africa when she stepped into the on-field captaincy. I believe that she has the leadership needed for this team in this crucial season, supported by Helen Nelson.

“It is disappointing that we won’t have Lana Skeldon and Sarah Law playing in these Autumn Tests. Both picked up injuries at a recent training camp and are focussing on recovery so that they can come back strong in the New Year. Elizabeth Musgrove is also still recovering from a recent injury and I am happy to see how she is recovering.

“We are using these Tests to bring a couple of new faces into the squad to expand our depth ahead of the Six Nations. Evie Tonkin has been training with us for a few months now and she received a cap for Scotland 7s during the summer.

“I have been chatting to Alex Wallace for a while now along with colleagues within the Scottish Qualified programme and it will be great to have her train with us.

“Evie Gallagher is part of the Scottish Futures Programme and it is encouraging to see so many players coming from the pathway programme right now.

“I am looking forward to seeing how this blend of new and experienced players front up against Wales and Japan.”

Captain Rachel Malcolm said: “The squad absolutely loved the experience playing in the Southern Hemisphere, but there really is nothing like playing in front of a home crowd and we can’t wait to get back to Scotstoun.

“It is the greatest honour for me to be named as captain this season. I can’t wait to lead the girls out on home turf and hopefully we can put in a performance for our fans.”

Scotland Women squad for Autumn Tests

Forwards

Christine Belisle (Cartha Queens Park)
Sarah Bonar (Loughborough Lightning)
Lisa Cockburn (Darlington Mowden Park)
Mairi Forsyth (Corstorphine Cougars)
Evie Gallagher (Edinburgh University)
Megan Kennedy (Stirling County RFC)
Jade Konkel (Harlequins)
Rachel Malcolm – CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning)
Rachel McLachlan (Darlington Mowden Park)
Louise McMillan (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Panashe Muzambe (Edinburgh University / Watsonians)
Jodie Rettie (Saracens)
Emma Wassell (Corstorphine Cougars)

Backs

Sarah Denholm (Edinburgh University)
Abi Evans (Darlington Mowden Park)
Megan Gaffney (Watsonians)
Mhairi Grieve (Waterloo Firwood)
Rhona Lloyd (Loughborough Lightning)
Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning)
Helen Nelson – VICE-CAPTAIN (Loughborough Lightning)
Chloe Rollie (Harlequin)
Hannah Smith (Watsonians)
Lisa Thomson (Darlington Mowden Park)
Evie Tonkin (Darlington Mowden Park)
Alex Wallace (Harrogate RFC)

Scotland return to Scotstoun to play Wales on Sunday 17 November, followed by Japan on Sunday 24 November. Packages and match tickets are on sale now for Scotland’s Autumn Tests and Six Nations matches, secure your tickets now.