The £144,352 has been allocated by Scottish Government to both support costs to help the team prepare and underpin a promotional campaign to inspire young players in Scotland through the team’s involvement in the global competition.

Government support will enable Scottish Rugby to enhance the work it is doing on and off the field in the build up to, and including, the RWC 2021 (playing in 2022).

Not only will it offer additional support to the team in preparations but importantly it will support proactive campaigns connecting players with girls and women across the country, increasing visibility of women’s rugby and inspiring growth within our clubs.

The funding from Scottish Government is in addition to the six-figure funding being made available by Scottish Rugby, announced on 13 June 2022, which is enabling the squad of 36 players to train full-time as part of an 11-week preparation camp for the tournament, which begins on 8 October.

Scotland Women’s first match is against Wales the following day, 9 October against Wales.

Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, Maree Todd, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to compete at the highest level and to showcase elite women’s sport.

“I am immensely proud of what the team have achieved so far and am delighted that we are able to support them financially to represent Scotland at the top level.

“The players have made huge commitments and sacrifices and I look forward to watching and supporting them later this year.”

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women and Girl’s Strategy, Gemma Fay, said: “We are delighted the Scottish Government recognises the significance of our qualification for the RWC 2021 (playing in 2022) and the benefits it will bring to the country.

“Aligned to Active Scotland outcomes, our recently launched Women & Girl’s strategy highlighted the need to capitalise on the success of major events by linking our players with their communities, as well as continuing to raise the profile of females in rugby in Scotland and attract new players and fans.

“The funding received by the Scottish Government will not only support the team’s preparation but allow us to amplify our work in this area.”

Scotland Women captain, Rachel Malcolm, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the funding and support that the Scottish Government has provided to the Scotland Women programme.

“It is a hugely exciting year for women’s rugby and the support that has been announced today will be fundamental in allowing us to train and reach our potential during the Rugby World Cup.”