Scotland Women team named for tour opener

The starting team is an experienced side with all players taking part in the Women’s Six Nations earlier this year, but with a couple of positional changes.

One player could receive their first cap for the national side. Christine Belisle, who has come through the Scottish Qualified Programme, will be on the bench for the first Test match in Cape Town on Monday.

With South Africa in 11^th in the World Rankings, one place above Scotland, it looks set to be a closely contested match.

Head Coach Philip Doyle said on the selection: “This is the start of an incredibly important year for us.

“The squad are in a good place and we are gradually developing as a team.

“This is our first tour and I want us to enjoy ourselves both on and off the pitch. It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to get to know each other ahead of the season ahead.”

Loughborough Lightning duo Helen Nelson and Rachel Malcolm will be leading the team as captain and vice-captain respectively. They are joined by fellow teammate, winger Rhona Lloyd.

The starting scrum will feature a front row of Lisa Cockburn, Lana Skeldon and Mairi Forsyth. Emma Wassell and Louise McMillan will start at second row.

Rachel McLachlan will support Rachel Malcolm as the second flanker and Jade Konkel will start at number eight.

Mhairi Grieve will be scrum-half in the opening match with Sarah Law moving to fly-half.

Skipper Nelson will be supported by Hannah Smith, Lisa Thomson and Chloe Rollie in the backs

Scotland Women will play Wales at Scotstoun on Sunday 17 November at 3.10pm, followed by Japan on Sunday 24 November at 2.00pm. Ticket information for Scotland Women’s Autumn Tests and Women’s Six Nations matches will be available in the next week. Keep an eye on the Scottish Rugby website and social media channels for updates or sign up to our email newsletter at www.scottishrugby.org/newsletter-signup