Smith and Walker eager for Women’s Six Nations return

Head Coach Sione Fukofuka has been working with his squad at Oriam ahead of next week’s opening clash at the Principality Stadium – his maiden match in the role. 

And in what is a different kind of fresh start, Smith is back involved with Scotland for the first time since recovering from an ACL injury sustained in late 2024. 

Having been in fine form in the PWR with Bristol Bears since her return, the stand-off is raring to be back and grasp the opportunity of making her mark on the squad. 

“Coming back in with the team, there have been a lot of changes with coaching and the management team and lots of players coming in, which is really exciting,” the 24-year-old said. 

“It’s almost like it’s a fresh start, which is nice and it’s just about trying to find my place in the squad again. It’s really competitive, so I’m just trying to gel with everyone and the coaches. 

“Missing out on the World Cup was tough and it was hard to watch the girls from a distance, but it was really exciting to watch them and I was so proud to see how well they did. 

“To be back in and to build on all of that is really exciting. I feel like I’ve got a fresh perspective having watched the team, and just have this eagerness and hunger. 

“After not being involved for so long, now I’m working extra hard to get back and to be in the squad.” 

Uncapped Hannah Walker is also looking to make the most of her inclusion in the squad, as the Edinburgh Rugby back-three player expressed her desire to build on experiences gained through the Celtic Challenge, where she has routinely faced Irish and Welsh internationals. 

“I just try and soak everything in,” she said. “I’m definitely in a good position on the wing and I’ve got good mentors with Rhona (Lloyd), Fran (McGhie) and Coreen (Grant) – they are all very happy to help me out with any questions I have. 

“It’s really exciting and there is just so much learning and so much improvement. It’s a good environment to make mistakes in, in that you know you’re going to learn from it. 

“I feel like I’ve got more game-time experience from the Celtic Challenge, and have had experience in that sort of environment which really helps you improve. 

“We’ve had 10 games at a good level against a lot of internationals, so that definitely gives you confidence coming into Scotland. 

“This week being a prep week has been good because we are all just pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves ahead of that match against Wales.” 

Something agreed upon by Smith and Walker is the positive environment the squad and staff have been working in as we approach the Six Nations. 

Smith said: “The culture that we have is so good. Everyone is trying to be better themselves and to improve as a team. We all just want the best for the team. We’re all learning new things. 

“We’re helping each other along the way, and making sure we have that competitiveness and drive to push the team on.” 

Walker added: “This week, especially with it being a prep week, has been good because we’re all just pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves ahead of that match against Wales. 

“The group is really motivational. You’re constantly pushing each other, and the feedback as you work has been really good because you’re constantly just working through things. 

“All in all, it’s just a positive environment where we’re pushing each other on to be better.” 

Scotland kick off their Guinness Women’s Six Nations on 11 April at Wales. You can catch the Women back to Edinburgh 18 April as they play England in Scottish Gas Murrayfield and 9 May at Hive Stadium against France. You can purchase home match tickets here.