Meet the Scotland Women’s Captain: Rachel Malcolm

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 26: Scotland's Rachel Malcolm runs out onto the pitch alongside a mascot ahead of a Guinness Women's Six Nations match between Scotland and Ireland at The Hive Stadium, on April 26, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Player profile

Rachel Malcolm’s journey to the pinnacle of the sport is a story of elite versatility. While she grew up in a household steeped in rugby tradition, her own international aspirations initially took flight on the hockey pitch, where she represented Scotland through the age-grade ranks up to U21 level. It was only after a transition to touch rugby and a subsequent move to Lichfield Ladies, that her natural ability for the contact game was fully realised.

Since her international debut against Spain in 2016, Malcolm has become a fixture of the national side. After a brief period at hooker, she found her home in the back row, eventually becoming Scotland’s most-capped female blindside flanker. Her career is marked by both academic and athletic excellence; she balanced her rise in the Premier Women’s Rugby (PWR) with Loughborough Lightning alongside completing a PhD in environmental physiology. In 2022, she was part of the historic first group of women awarded professional contracts by Scottish Rugby, and in 2024, she celebrated her 50th cap during a victory over Italy.

Pictured: Scotland’s Rachel Malcolm in action during a Guinness Women’s Six Nations match between Scotland and Italy at Hive Stadium, on 13 April 2025

A relentless engine

Malcolm is a flanker defined by her work rate and defensive intelligence. Known for her tireless presence at the breakdown and her high tackle count, she provides the physical grit necessary to compete with the world’s best packs. Her background in multiple elite sports has gifted her an exceptional engine, allowing her to maintain a high level of intensity across the full 80 minutes.

Beyond the physical work of a blindside flanker, Rachel possesses a high rugby IQ. She is often the player providing the tactical commands for the team, making crucial decisions under pressure and ensuring Scotland’s defensive line remains cohesive. Her ability to lead from the heart of the battle makes her a formidable opponent and a reassuring presence for her teammates.

Malcolm’s impact

The impact of Rachel Malcolm on Scottish rugby is perhaps best measured by her unprecedented leadership records. Having captained the side since 2020, she recently led Scotland to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Rugby World Cup. In doing so, she surpassed Karen Findlay’s long-standing record to become the person who has captained Scotland the most times, male or female.

Hailed as one of the ‘great Scotland captains’, Malcolm’s influence extends far beyond her now 61 caps and three tries. She has been the voice and the face of the squad during its most transformative time, bridging the gap between the amateur and professional eras. Her captaincy is characterised by an unwavering belief in the squad’s potential, setting a cultural and professional standard that has seen Scotland climb the world rankings and inspire a record-breaking surge in support for the women’s game.

The next record

The forthcoming Scotland v England fixture in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations (Saturday 18 April) will attract the largest crowd ever recorded for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland.

Malcolm will once again take captaincy for a defining moment for Scotland Women. Here’s what she had to say:

“Stepping out onto the pitch at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is a dream we have all shared as players, but it is the energy and passion of our supporters that truly makes this iconic stadium feel special. To see the stands filling with record-breaking numbers will be an incredibly proud moment for us, and it reminds us exactly who we are playing for. 

We often talk about leaving the shirt in a better place, and this historic day is about showing the next generation that there are no limits to what they can achieve in our sport. Seeing young girls and boys in the crowd, dreaming of one day running out on this pitch themselves, is exactly why we do what we do. We can’t wait to hear your roar from the stands on April 18th.” 

— Rachel Malcolm, Scotland Women Captain 

While the record has been smashed, the story of this event is still being written. Tickets and hospitality packages are available now. Come and see your Scotland captain on Saturday 18 April.