Scotland Women’s Molly Wright retires from professional and international rugby

The New Zealand-born front row player, who featured 27 times for Scotland, played her final game when Sale Sharks faced Exeter Chiefs in their last PWR game of the season earlier this month.

Molly, 35, played rugby growing up in her native New Zealand and continued to do so when she moved to Canada at aged 16.

When she moved back to New Zealand to study, she carried on playing at the University of Otago.

A move to Scotland beckoned and she would go on to play for Watsonians in Edinburgh, soon falling in love with her adopted home.

After gaining residency, she would go on to make her Scotland Women debut in January 2020 against Spain, coming off the bench and marking the occasion by scoring a try in a 36-12 win.

Molly would represent Scotland at two Rugby World Cups, having been part of the squad for the edition in 2022, which took place in her country of birth, and in last year’s tournament in England where Scotland Women secured a quarter-final finish.

Upon retiring from the professional and international game, Molly said: “At the end of the season, I hung up my boots. My body is delighted, but my heart isn’t quite ready.

“Thank you to Scotland, my teammates, coaches, management team, and the fans for an incredible journey filled with friendships, lessons, and unforgettable moments.

“My time in the game may be over, but I’ll keep the stories forever. On to the next chapter. See you in the stands!”

At club level, Molly enjoyed four years with Watsonians, winning the Sarah Beaney Cup in 2019 when she was named Player of the Match, before moving on to Sale Sharks in 2021 where she has remained since.

Scottish Rugby would like to thank Molly for her dedication, commitment and service to the national team and wishes her the very best in the next chapter of her journey.