Head Coach Lindsey Smith has named the Scotland Women U18 team for their first round of the U18 Six Nations Festival against Italy U18 at Wellington College tomorrow (kick off 12pm) – live on YouTube. 

The front row is made up of loosehead prop Ellen Nimmo, hooker Emily Sansom and tighthead Jessica Combe. 

Pip Sutherland is joined in the second row by Layla Mitchell, with Rhianna Bodle (blindside) and Eve Mackay (openside) on the flanks. Estella Vaughan starts at number eight to round off the back row.  

Emma Wylie starts at scrum-half, working with stand-off Sophie Gilvear in the half-backs. Niamh Waters will partner with Robyn Allan at inside and outside centre respectively. 

Bethan Mathieson starts on the left wing, with Connie Sanderson on the right. Full-back Neve Murray completes the back three and starting team. 

Amy Vance, Juliet Ramsay, Danielle Kaschula, Lilly Clarkson and Gemma Gordon are primed to come on in the forwards, while Aoife Powrie-Smith, Lucy Ronald, Eilidh Rose and Lucy Symon are the backs listed on the bench. 

Smith said: “Our preparations have had to be quicker than last year, but we’re settled in now at Wellington College after arriving yesterday and we’re raring to go. 

“We’ve gone for a good blend of new and experienced players at this level, and Eve Mackay captains who scored against Italy last year in the festival. 

“Italy will be physical, we expect them to come out the blocks firing but we want to match that. We know they’ll be direct in midfield if they get the chance so we have to be disruptive as much as possible in defence.” 

Scotland U18 team to play Italy U18 at Wellington on Thursday (kick off 12pm) – live on YouTube 

15. Neve Murray
14. Connie Sanderson
13. Robyn Allan
12. Niamh Waters
11. Bethan Mathieson 

14. Sophie Gilvear
9. Emma Wyllie 

1. Ellen Nimmo
2. Emily Sansom
3. Jessica Combe
4. Pip Sutherland
5. Layla Mitchell
6. Rhianna Bodle
7. Eve Mackay CAPTAIN
8. Estella Vaughan 

Replacements 

16. Amy Vance
17. Juliet Ramsay
18. Danielle Kaschula
19. Lilly Clarkson
20. Gemma Gordon
21. Aoife Powrie-Smith
22. Lucy Ronald
23. Eilidh Rose
24. Lucy Symon 

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