RBS Scottish Varsity Preview: University of Edinburgh women look to hold on to silverware

22 Sep 2017

The University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews women’s first XV teams will take centre stage on the international pitch at BT Murrayfield tomorrow, with a crowd of more than 10,000 expected (kick-off 5pm).

Last year’s contest saw Edinburgh defeat St Andrews 97-0 with Scotland Women player Megan Gaffney picking up Player of the Match.

Edinburgh also enjoyed a fruitful 2016/17 season in the British Universities and Colleges Sport competition as they won the BUCS League, BUCS Championship and BUCS Sevens titles.

University of Edinburgh centre, Elizabeth Musgrove, played her first ever game at last year’s Varsity contest – during which she scored on her first touch of the ball – and has since gained two Scotland Women 7s caps in the summer.

The capital side have remained undefeated in the annual contest so far, and are eager to keep hold of the trophy.

University of Edinburgh flanker and fourth year applied sport science student, Natalie Guy, said: “We have had a busy pre-season, which started around the beginning of August.

“We have training on a Thursday, two gym sessions every week and we have also had additional skills and conditioning sessions.

“I think that the squad we have is really strong and we have a lot of experience. We are really gelling as a team and we work well together.

“Having the girls who have played in the national set-up does help the team as they are bringing their knowledge and experience.”

Counterparts, The Saints, are relishing the challenge and are focused on bouncing back from last year’s defeat.

University of St Andrews captain and third year earth and environmental science student, Rhiannon Fox-Rothwell, said: “We have trained hard all throughout the summer to get fit for the game and it’s always a great day.

“This will hopefully be my third varsity match so it has always been a dream to play on the national pitch and to lead your team out is such a great honour.

“It’s a great chance to show what we can do and the great talent in the sport and it’s a chance to show that we are improving year on year.”

Tickets are £5 for students/under 18s and £10 for adults.

RBS Scottish Varsity – Saturday 23 September

University of Edinburgh Women: Hannah Septoff; Annie McKelvey, Elizabeth Musgrove, Amy Walter, Lindsay Maguire; Helena Scullion, Rachel Law; Emma Dunbar, Hannah Kurtz, Katie Dougan, Liusaidh McMaster, Debbie Lee, Natalie Guy, Nicola Howat, Sally Stott CAPTAIN

Replacements: Rebecca Youngs, Caroline Parker-Smith, Alison Glass, Hannah Gaddie, Dido Denier Van Der Gon, Rachael Harkavy

University of St Andrews Women: Shona Parratt; Alexis Jenkins, Myrtille Genot, Rhiannon Fox-Rothwell CAPTAIN, Panashe Dazambo; Abbie Henderson, Emily Jones; Kate Saunders, Beth Tappenden, Georgina Farrington, Mhairi Falconer, Sisley Comish, Lucy Hellawell, Nathalie Becker, Amy Parry

Replacements: Emily Brunton, Jordan Coules, Zorra Harris, Abigail Fryer, Sophie Lieke, Lanita Gutieva, Rosanna Curtis