Scotland Women 7s squad announced for Grand Prix Series

Scotland Women 7s Head Coach Scott Forrest has made four changes to his squad to travel to the first round of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series in Marcoussis this weekend.

In the 2018 Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series, Scotland came fourth behind Russia, France and Ireland.

As the highest non-World Series core nation, they were invited to the final leg of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series. The squad have just returned from this tournament where they recorded a momentous match win against Ireland, the only invited team to record a win this season.

The squad also played in the World Series Qualifiers in Hong Kong in April, where they were runners-up.

For the first leg of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series, Scotland have been placed in a pool with Ireland, Italy and Spain. To reach the qualifiers for the 2020 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, they will need to be in the top three of the non-core teams.

Liz Musgrove and Louise McMillan, who supported the team in the qualifiers in Hong Kong have returned to the squad. Rachel McLachlan, who was capped or Scotland Women 7s last year is hoping to receive her second cap for Scotland Women 7s. This follows a successful debut season for Scotland Women where she was the top tackler for the whole of the Six Nations.

Sarah Denholm will be hoping to receive her first cap for Scotland Women 7s. Sarah, who played for Scottish Futures U18 7s last season has received her call up following a few months of training with the Scotland Women 7s squad.

Helen Nelson, will continue as captain and will be joined by Abi Evans, Megan Gaffney, Lisa Thomson, Jenny Maxwell, Chloe Rollie, Hannah Smith and Rhona Lloyd. All of whom played in Biarritz earlier this month.

Nelson said, “Biarritz was a good weekend for us. We went not putting too much pressure on ourselves and not too much expectation. We were wanting to use it to improve as we look towards Europe. It is going to be a really important summer for us as we look to qualify for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens World Series qualifiers again.”

Head Coach Scott Forrest said, “We are going into Europe in a positive place. The team have gelled and developed so much over the last few months and to come away with a win in Biarritz was a fantastic achievement.

“The Rugby Europe competitions will be really important for us this year and I am excited to see what the squad will bring to the pitch.

“I am looking forward to seeing what Rachel and Sarah will bring to the team. Rachel had a strong start to her international career in the XVs this year and Sarah has really proved herself at training over the last few months.”

Scotland Sevens squad to travel to Marcoussis

Sarah Denholm (Biggar RFC)
Abi Evans (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Megan Gaffney (Watsonians)
Rhona Lloyd (Loughborough Lightning)
Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning)
Rachel McLachlan (Stirling County)
Louise McMillan* (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Liz Musgrove (Hong Kong RFC)
Helen Nelson** (Montpellier)
Chloe Rollie** (Lille Metropole Rugby Club Villeneuvios)
Hannah Smith (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Lisa Thomson** (Darlington Mowden Park RFC)

* Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy Supported Player 2018/19
** 2021 Supported Contract 2018/19

Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby