News & Features International Scotland Women

Two changes for Scotland Women for 2026 Guinness Six Nations Finale

15 May 2026

For Scotland Women’s final match of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, Head Coach Sione Fukofuka has made two changes to the XV who will face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm) – live on BBC iPlayer.

Emily Coubrough comes in for her fourth appearance of the campaign at number eight, with Shona Campbell returning on the left wing.

The front row is unchanged from last weekend’s visit of France, with Leah Bartlett, and Elis Martin starting at loosehead prop and hooker respectively, whilst Elliann Clarke will line up at tighthead, as she has done throughout the championship.

It is back-to-back starts for Louise McMillan, as she continues her partnership in the second row with Sunday’s vice-captain Emma Wassell.

Coubrough takes on the number eight shirt, with Becky Boyd and Eva Donaldson set to feature at blindside and openside flanker.

After scoring two tries on her first start for Scotland, Rachel Philipps will once again play at outside centre, alongside Meryl Smith, who will go five starts from five at inside centre in this year’s Six Nations.

Campbell returns to the XV on the left wing, with Rhona Lloyd taking her place on the right as number 14. At full-back, Chloe Rollie will make up the back three.

An unchanged half-back partnership will see Leia Brebner-Holden and Helen Nelson – who will captain the Scotland team once more – start at the Aviva.

The replacements are made up of a five-three split of forwards and backs.

After scoring a try on her Scotland debut, Aicha Sutcliffe retains her place in the matchday squad, alongside Demi Swann, Molly Poolman, Hollie Cunningham and Holland Bogan as the forwards available from the bench.

The backs include Lucia Scott, Rhea Clarke and Coreen Grant, who comes into the matchday 23 for the first time this championship.

Scotland Women team to face Ireland in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations at Aviva Stadium, on Sunday 17 May kick-off 2.30pm – live on BBC iPlayer (caps in brackets).

15. Chloe Rollie – Toulon Provence Méditerranée (85)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (65)
13. Rachel Philipps – Sale Sharks (3)
12. Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (26)
11. Shona Campbell– Sale Sharks (13)

10. Helen Nelson – Captain – Loughborough Lightning (79)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (19)

1.Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (53)
2. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (30)
3. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (28)
4. Emma Wassell – Vice-captain – Trailfinders Women (77)
5. Louise McMillan – Saracens (60)
6. Becky Boyd – Loughborough Lightning (5)
7. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (25)
8. Emily Coubrough – Glasgow Warriors/University of Edinburgh (3)

Replacements

16. Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County (1)
17. Demi Swann – Exeter Chiefs (4)
18. Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC (11)
19. Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (6)
20. Holland Bogan – Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County (4)
21. Rhea Clarke – Bristol Bears (3)
22. Lucia Scott – Loughborough Lightning (11)
23. Coreen Grant – Harlequins (17)