Trailblazer statues unveiled ahead of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations

*** FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE *** Rugby trailblazer statues unveiled in Edinburgh ahead of Women’s Six Nations. Scottish Gas, Official Partner of the Scotland Women’s Rugby Team, unveiled sustainable statues of rugby stars Donna Kennedy, Lisa Thomson and Francesca McGhie on Castle Street to celebrate the trailblazers of women’s rugby and inspire the next generation of players and fans.

Scottish Gas, Official Partner of Scotland Women, has unveiled a series of sustainable statues in Edinburgh to celebrate the trailblazers of women’s rugby in Scotland ahead of the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

The statues, made from 100% recycled plastics, tell the stories of Scottish rugby legend Donna Kennedy, as well as current stars Lisa Thomson and Francesca McGhie, inspiring young girls to follow in their footsteps.

All three statues have been created by state-of-the-art 3D printing technology using 100% recycled plastics intercepted from industrial waste destined for marine environments or landfill.

They will remain at Castle Street until the evening of Friday 22 March*, before being transported to the Hive Stadium, where they’ll be on display ahead of the two home fixtures against France (Saturday 30 March) and England (Saturday 13 April). Tickets available here.

Lisa Thomson, Donna Kennedy and Francesca McGhie on Castle Street.

Speaking ahead of Scotland’s Guinness Women’s Six Nation’s opener against Wales, current international and trailblazer Lisa Thomson said: “It’s pretty surreal to have a statue of yourself, but it’s an honour to have been recognised alongside Donna and Fran. Unveiling these just before the start of the Guinness Six Nations is amazing and I can’t wait to see our fans reactions when they see them at Hive Stadium, and hopefully we can inspire the next generation of trailblazers.”

Francesca McGhie added: “To have a statue of myself alongside Donna, who is such an inspiration and Lisa, who I have looked up to prior to coming into the Scotland Women’s team is so special. I really hope that for everyone who sees them, these statues can act as a symbol of inspiration and encourage them to take up the sport or start following our journey.”

The statues were unveiled as a OnePoll study revealed the influence of female sports stars – with 83% of girls believing that they are inspirational role models, whilst half have been motivated to take up sport after watching the success of female athletes.

Speaking at the unveiling of the statues on Castle Street, Edinburgh, record Scotland Women’s appearance holder Donna Kennedy said: “It’s amazing to be recognised as a trailblazer and hear how inspirational female athletes can be.

“What we see around us and what we’re exposed to has a huge bearing on our development and with women’s rugby in Scotland going from strength to strength it’s a great time to encourage more young girls to watch and play the game.”

Catherine O’Kelly, Managing Director of British Gas Energy, said: “We’re proud to help energise the growth of Scotland Women’s Team with our front of shirt and stadium partnership, while raising the profile of the side to inspire the next generation of players and fans.

“It’s been fantastic to watch their progress since the start of our partnership last summer and we’re delighted to honour three trailblazers in the run up to the Women’s Six Nations. We wish Scotland Women all the best for the upcoming tournament.”

*Weather dependent

Click here for more information on the statues along with a video and pictures from the launch