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Scotland Women U16 pathway festival review

6 May 2025

The U16 Scotland Women’s programme reached an exciting conclusion at Netherdale, Galashiels on Saturday 3 May, where two Scottish sides - Selkies and Scáthach - were joined by the Netherlands U16 team in a round-robin festival that delivered high-quality, competitive rugby and showcased the depth of emerging talent within the girls’ pathway.

The event was the culmination of a seven-week U16 Girls Pathway Performance Programme, which selected players from February’s Regional Game Series. Designed to prioritise individual development, the programme exposed athletes to a structured and intense environment, preparing them for future representative and national opportunities. It also gave players critical experience in managing the demands of camp life and international competition.

Game 1: Selkies 36 – 22 Scáthach

The festival kicked off with an all-Scottish encounter, setting the tone for the day.

Scáthach made a strong start through Rose Scott’s early try, but the Selkies quickly asserted dominance, driven by the vision and tempo set by stand-off Lucy Ronald.

By halftime, the Selkies had surged ahead 26–7, with standout performances from Joss Mair and Juliet Ramsay.

Though Scáthach rallied and edged the second half, the Selkies’ physicality and attacking edge earned them a 36–22 victory.

Tries, Selkies: Joss Mair (2), Juliet Ramsay (2) Connie Sanderson, Alana Herbert
Conversions, Selkies: Lucy Ronald (3)

Tries, Scáthach: Rose Scott. Anna Stoddart, Erin Rowley, Tess Hewines
Conversions, Scáthach: Emma Wylie x1

Game 2: Scáthach 14 – 37 Netherlands

Scáthach’s second match saw them face a well-drilled Netherlands side, who lit up the first half with a display of pace and cohesion. The Dutch raced to a 27–0 halftime lead, but Scáthach once again showed their resilience.

The second half was more balanced, with Lucy Symon delivering a highlight-reel 80-metre try. Despite improved intensity and two converted tries, the early deficit proved too large, and the Netherlands secured a 37–14 win.

Tries, Scáthach: Lucy Symon, Rose Scott
Conversions, Scáthach: Emma Wylie

Game 3: Selkies 26 – 20 Netherlands

The final match of the day delivered a memorable spectacle, as the Selkies edged out the Netherlands in a fiercely contested encounter as the score changed hands several times.

The turning point came from Lucy Ronald’s precision cross-field kick, finished superbly by Connie Sanderson. With the scoreline tight throughout, the Selkies’ composure under pressure saw them emerge 26–20 winners, capping an impressive unbeaten run.

Tries, Selkies: Issy Ross, Miya Oisen, Joss Mair, Connie Sanderson
Conversions, Selkies: Lucy Ronald (3)

Programme Reflections from Head Coach, Gordon Lyon:

“The festival marked a successful endpoint to the U16 programme, offering invaluable experience in both intra-squad and international contexts. The performances from both squads highlighted the strength of depth within the cohort, and it offered a fantastic development opportunity and was a great step up from the Regional Game Series earlier in the year.

“As the programme concludes, players will now move into Regional U17 transition programmes as preparation for the U18 national squads. A select group will remain in the U16 age grade to complete their second year, joined by new players identified through this year’s U15 Player Development Hubs.

“This year’s U16 programme has not only identified emerging talent but has helped to lay strong foundations for the women’s rugby pathway in Scotland.”