Wassell returns to face Italy after health set-back

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 05: Emma Wassell during a Scotland Rugby Women visual access at the Hive Stadium, on March 05, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Easson has selected Emma Wassell to start in the second row, in what will be her first international test since recovering from a benign tumour in her chest and sternotomy surgery in August last year.

In the front row, Leah Bartlett lines up at loosehead prop, alongside Lana Skeldon at hooker and Elliann Clarke at tighthead. Adelle Ferrie makes her first start for Scotland, joining Wassell in the second row.

The back row features a familiar trio, with captain Rachel Malcolm leading the side from blindside flanker, Rachel McLachlan at openside, and Evie Gallagher anchoring the pack at number eight.

In the half-backs, Leia Brebner-Holden starts at scrum-half, partnering with Helen Nelson who resumes her role at stand-off.

Elsewhere in the backs, Evie Wills makes her first international start at outside centre, as she links up with Lisa Thomson in the midfield. The back three is completed by wingers Coreen Grant and Rhona Lloyd, with Lucia Scott earning her first Scotland start at full-back.

Easson has named a 5:3 split of forwards and backs for the bench. Molly Wright has been named for the first time since the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, joining Elis Martin and Lisa Cockburn as front row cover, with Eva Donaldson and Alex Stewart completing the forward replacements.

Among the backs, stand-off Hannah Ramsay could make her international debut should she be called upon, while the experience of Caity Mattinson (scrum-half) and Chloe Rollie (full-back) round out the matchday 23.

Scotland Women team (caps in brackets) to face Italy on Friday 25 July at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana (kick-off 6.30pm BST). UK viewers can watch live via BBC Alba and BBC iPlayer. International broadcast is available on RugbyPass TV. 

15. Lucia Scott – Loughborough Lightning (5)

14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (57)
13. Evie Wills – Sale Sharks (4)
12. Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (69)
11. Coreen Grant – Saracens (15)

10. Helen Nelson – Loughborough Lightning (70)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (9)

1. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (43)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (79)
3. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (20)
4. Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (67)
5. Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (4)
6. Rachel Malcolm – Captain – Trailfinders Women (56)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (51)
8. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (35)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (20)
17. Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (23)
18. Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester-Hartpury (33)
19. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (15)
20. Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (11)
21. Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (31)
22. Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (uncapped)
23. Chloe Rollie – Toulon Provence Mediterranee (75)