Getting to know Rachel McLachlan

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Scotland's Rachel McLachlan celebrates as Scotland are awarded a penalty try during an Autumn Test match between Scotland Women and Fiji at Hive Stadium, on September 14, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

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Describe the Guinness Women’s Six Nations in three words.

“Exciting, fast-paced, rivalry.”

Who has the best national anthem (outside Scotland of course)?

“Great question! For me it’s between Italy and France but I’m going to pick Italy, they give so much passion and energy to it, it’s like another level but I do love the French anthem.”

Rachel (centre) stands proudly with her teammates to sing the national anthem.

If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?

“I think a lot of people would reckon a flanker would want to be a centre, but I’d want to play 9. I’d want to be in about it, passing the ball, making a box kick, running around. I think it would be fun!

“I’d be a nippy 9, like the ball is very clearly free but I’d be like ‘oh sir, she’s on the ball’ and just be a bit of a nuisance!”

What’s the most memorable match you’ve ever played and why?

“I know everyone says it but our Rugby World Cup qualifier against Ireland. That kick from Slaw (Sarah Law) to win the game, it was just the craziest thing ever, insane, just incredible. But I also think my second cap against Canada at Scotstoun was so memorable and we nearly beat them.”

Who’s your toughest opponent on the field?

“I think the toughest team I’ve faced has been New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup. I remember we were analysing them before the game and we knew they had this dangerous pick and go move, we’d been practicing how to deal with it and we knew their call to trigger it but when it came to the game, it was crazy, we knew it was happening, but it was literally impossible to stop.

“Seeing the haka beforehand was also crazy. I decided that I’d pick someone to just focus on throughout it and the person in front of me was Ruahei Demant, she just stared right back at me the whole time. It was so intense, but it was so cool. The haka is such a powerful and special thing, I’m such a big fan.”

What’s your go-to off day meal or something that you’d consider a really nice treat?

“I do really like pizza, it maybe sounds a bit boring though. Toppings? Okay this is really controversial; I’d have a Hawaiian but I’d add pepperoni. It’s so nice! I think I just thought one day, I really like pepperoni but I really like Hawaiian but I’m not that fussed about the ham, so I just put some pepperoni on. If I could I’d just swap out the ham for the pepperoni. If any of my Italian friends find out about this though, they will be so disappointed…”

Favourite place in Scotland?

“I love Edinburgh so much – it’s where I grew up – so I will say Edinburgh but I’ll give an honourable mention to Glencoe. I’ve been there quite a few times and I’ve stayed with Nelly’s (Helen Nelson) family there as well, it’s really beautiful.”

Rachel McLachlan in action for Scotland during the Women’s Six Nations match between Scotland and Wales in 2023.

Which three guests would you invite to your dream dinner party – dead or alive?

“Number one is going to be Steve Irwin. It really bothers me – and I don’t know why it bothers me so much – that he can’t see what his family have gone on to achieve and the legacy they’ve created, so I’d have him at my dinner party just to inform him about it all.

“Secondly, I’d have Princess Dianna because again I just want to tell her about the legacy she’s created. And then finally I’d have my Grandparents – I know that’s cheating, they can share a chair.”

What’s your favourite thing about being part of Scotland Women?

“My favourite thing about playing for Scotland Women is being part of such an incredible group of people. I’m so proud of the people we are. We’re all very aligned with what we want to do, the legacy we want to leave behind and that’s incredibly powerful.”

Click here to learn more about Rachel’s playing career in her Biography.