International Women’s Day | Give to Gain

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 13: Scotland's Elis Martin, Chloe Rollie and Emma Orr line up for the national anthem during a Guinness Women's Six Nations match between Scotland and Italy at The Hive Stadium, on April 13, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Chloe Blackadder, coach at Dunfermline RFC & player at Kirkcaldy RFC

“From a quiet, shy, no clue what I’m doing beginner player to gobby fly half, it’s impossible It’s impossible to pick just one woman to highlight when I think about my grassroots rugby journey. Every single person I’ve watched, played with or coached alongside has influenced me in some way.

“Being part of such a supportive squad allowed me to shine while also learning the quirks of the game; making mistakes, learning from them, and growing in an environment that constantly pushed me to improve and aim higher. Now I try to pass those lessons on to newer players and support their journeys from a leadership position.

“Helping coach the girls’ team at Dunfermline and watching them go through the same behaviours and confidence struggles I once had – then seeing them completely overcome those challenges – is something that’s hard to put into words.”

“Seeing some of my former teammates go on to incredible opportunities with Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Women, competing at such a high level, is so exciting not just for me, but for the young girls coming through the ranks. I absolutely love it!”

Elis Martin during a Scotland Women’s Rugby training session at Peffermill Playing Fields, on June 03, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Elis Martin, Scotland international

“When I think about the theme of ‘Give to Gain’ I think the women in my life who have given so much to me would be the women in our management and medical team at Scottish Rugby, past and present.

“Just to name a few; Flo, Ellen, Josie, Lara, Morag, Eilidh, Emma, Mhairi and Fiona. These women have lives and commitments of their own, kids and grandkids, but they have had to sacrifice time with them to work with us to make sure that we can succeed in this sport.

“Individually, the support I’ve received from Josie and Flo in particular has been unmatched and you just don’t get care like that anywhere else in the world. The sacrifices and choices they have made to help us perform the way that we do is unbelievable, and no doubt it’s because of that platform they give us to do so. The reason we stand as high as we do is because we stand on their shoulders.”

Emma Orr, Scotland international

“A woman in my life who truly epitomises the ‘Give to Gain’ theme for International Women’s Day is my mum. She is the most incredible woman I know. She works tirelessly on the farm and supports me, my three siblings, and my dad through her constant generosity, strength, and collaboration.

“She’s our Wonder Woman and somehow manages to do it all. She’s always the first person to step in and help others as they work towards their goals. For me, she is my absolute rock, and I know she is that for so many other people too. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without her support and inspiration – I’ve always wanted to be like her.”

Kaeli King and her Watsonians teamates celebrate at full-time as they are crowned Sarah Beaney Cup Champions during the Sarah Beaney Cup Final between Hillhead Jordanhill v Watsonian during Silver Saturday at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in 2025.

Kaeli King, Watsonian FC

“Charlotte Runcie was a huge part of the reason I joined the club. I knew her from the sevens circuit, she has such infectious energy. Even though she has retired from playing she has been doing a strength and conditioning programme for the last few seasons for the team, and she does this in her own time. Something I’ll say about her is she always has time for anyone who has a question, or who’s skill level isn’t quite there yet, she wants us all to be better. I really admire how supportive she is of all the women on the team.

“Additionally our physio Fi Robertson, she has been the biggest reason I’ve been able to get back to playing from injuries. Within her role she goes above and beyond for us in terms of working with health professionals, listening to us, giving up her time and weekends. That kind of support in sport is invaluable.”