Scotland extended training squad announced ahead of Rugby World Cup preparations

29 May 2025

Scotland Women’s Head Coach Bryan Easson has today unveiled a 38-player extended training squad as the national team begins preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, set to take place in England this August.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 12: Scotland players celebrate qualification for the 2025 World Cup during the WXV 2 2024 match between Australia v Scotland at Athlone Sports Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Rynners - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Those named, include four uncapped players; Aila Ronald, Hannah Ramsay, Hannah Walker and Meg Varley; each of whom were involved in the training squad through the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2025.

In a significant boost for the team, Emma Wassell makes her return to the national setup for the first time since 2024, following her recovery from a benign tumour in her chest. Hollie Cunningham and Coreen Grant also rejoin the squad after overcoming injuries sustained earlier this year.

The group will convene in camp throughout June to build for the Summer Test period before the Women’s Rugby World Cup begins in August.

Speaking on the announcement, Easson said: “I’m really pleased we are now at the stage of naming an extended training squad ahead of what is going to be a huge summer for women’s sport.

“As we saw through this year’s Six Nations, there are good players missing out on selection and I think that’s testament to the depth we’ve developed, the consistency of performances, and the competitive standard being set week in and week out. Selection has been based entirely on performance, and that’s driven some very tough decisions.

“As we move into this crucial preparation period, we’re focused on sharpening every detail and pushing ourselves to the next levels. The months ahead are vital as we build towards the summer and set our sights firmly on competing at the Rugby World Cup.

“We’ve named a strong, competitive group that blends hard-earned experience with exciting young talent. I was particularly pleased with how our debutants and uncapped players performed during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations – both in training and in matches – and this window gives them a chance to step up and show us more.

“It’s also fantastic to welcome back Emma Wassell, Coreen Grant, Hollie Cunningham, and Meg Varley, all of whom have worked hard to return from injury and are now fit and available for selection. Their return adds even greater strength and competition to the squad.”

Scotland Women extended training squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England (caps in brackets):

Forwards

Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (43)
Gemma Bell – Gloucester Hartpury/Hartpury University (1)
Becky Boyd – Loughborough Lightning (3)
Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (47)
Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (20)
Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (2)
Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester Hartpury (33)
Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (15)
Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (35)
Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (4)
Jade Konkel – Harlequins (71)
Rachel Malcolm – Unattached (56)
Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (20)
Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (51)
Aila Ronald –  Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (uncapped)
Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC (4)
Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (79)
Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (11)
Emma Wassell – Unattached (67)
Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (23)
Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (20)

Backs

Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (9)
Beth Blacklock – Saracens (3)
Rhea Clarke – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (1)
Coreen Grant – Harlequins (15)
Rhona Lloyd – Unattached (57)
Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (31)
Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (22)
Helen Nelson – Loughborough Lightning (70)
Rachel Philipps – Sale Sharks (1)
Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (Uncapped)
Chloe Rollie – Trailfinders Women (75)
Lucia Scott – Gloucester-Hartpury/Hartpury University (5)
Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (29)
Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (69)
Hannah Walker – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (Uncapped)
Evie Wills – Leicester Tigers (4)
Meg Varley – Bristol Bears (Uncapped)

RELATED

Scotland Women vs New Zealand: Kick-off Time, Team News & How to Watch Scotland Women Scotland Women vs New Zealand: Kick-off Time, Team News & How to Watch Wed 16 Sep 2026 Helen Nelson: Finding Perspective in the Scottish Hills Scotland Women Helen Nelson: Finding Perspective in the Scottish Hills Tue 15 Sep 2026 Scouting the Black Ferns: Whitney Hansen’s New Zealand Squad Scotland Women Scouting the Black Ferns: Whitney Hansen’s New Zealand Squad Tue 15 Sep 2026 Match Report: Scotland Women 26-64 Canada Scotland Women Match Report: Scotland Women 26-64 Canada Sat 12 Sep 2026 Scotland v Canada: Your Matchday Guide Scotland Women Scotland v Canada: Your Matchday Guide Fri 11 Sep 2026 Rachel Philipps: The gentle aggressor in Scotland’s midfield Scotland Women Rachel Philipps: The gentle aggressor in Scotland’s midfield Fri 11 Sep 2026 Scotland Women captain Rachel Malcolm on what leadership means to her Scotland Women Scotland Women captain Rachel Malcolm on what leadership means to her Thu 10 Sep 2026 Scotland Women team to take on Canada in Vodafone Scotland WXV Series opener confirmed Scotland Women Scotland Women team to take on Canada in Vodafone Scotland WXV Series opener confirmed Thu 10 Sep 2026 Scotland Women vs Canada: Kick-off Time, Team News & How to Watch Scotland Women Scotland Women vs Canada: Kick-off Time, Team News & How to Watch Tue 8 Sep 2026 Scouting Canada: Kevin Rouet’s Canada Squad Scotland Women Scouting Canada: Kevin Rouet’s Canada Squad Thu 3 Sep 2026 Molly Poolman reflects on Scotland Women journey ahead of upcoming Vodafone Scotland WXV Series Scotland Women Molly Poolman reflects on Scotland Women journey ahead of upcoming Vodafone Scotland WXV Series Mon 31 Aug 2026 Scotland Women take rugby into community with school and club visit Scotland Women Scotland Women take rugby into community with school and club visit Thu 27 Aug 2026 Scotland Women A squad to face the Netherlands confirmed Scotland Women Scotland Women A squad to face the Netherlands confirmed Thu 27 Aug 2026 Scottish Rugby x YETI products now available to buy online Scotland Men Scottish Rugby x YETI products now available to buy online Tue 18 Aug 2026 Vodafone Scotland WXV Series prep underway for Meryl Smith Scotland Women Vodafone Scotland WXV Series prep underway for Meryl Smith Tue 11 Aug 2026 How to Watch the Vodafone Scotland WXV Series: TV & Live Stream Guide Scotland Women How to Watch the Vodafone Scotland WXV Series: TV & Live Stream Guide Tue 4 Aug 2026 Louise McMillan to retire from international rugby Scotland Women Louise McMillan to retire from international rugby Tue 4 Aug 2026 Scotland Women’s 32-player squad announced for Vodafone Scotland WXV Series Scotland Women Scotland Women’s 32-player squad announced for Vodafone Scotland WXV Series Tue 4 Aug 2026 Changes to Scotland Women coaching staff confirmed Scotland Women Changes to Scotland Women coaching staff confirmed Mon 3 Aug 2026 Sione Fukofuka to leave Scottish Rugby Scotland Women Sione Fukofuka to leave Scottish Rugby Mon 3 Aug 2026