Scotland’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign came to an end with a 40–8 defeat to England in Bristol, but the scoreline only tells part of the story of a side that showed resilience, defiance, and no shortage of heart against the tournament favourites.
Flying Start in the Rain
On a wet afternoon at Ashton Gate, it was Scotland who struck the first blow. A bright opening, with carries from Evie Gallagher and Leia Brebner-Holden, forced England offside, allowing Helen Nelson to land the game’s first points after just three minutes.
Jade Konkel, winning her 74th and final cap, then produced a trademark turnover to underline Scotland’s intent. The Harlequins No 8 – who in 2016 became Scotland’s first female professional player – left the field to a warm reception later in the match, closing a remarkable career on the sport’s biggest stage.
England’s Power Shows
The Red Roses, however, soon demonstrated their famed set-piece power. Tries from Kelsey Clifford and Morwenna Talling arrived in quick succession, with Holly Aitchison converting both to hand the hosts a 14-3 lead inside 15 minutes.
Scotland refused to fold. Despite England’s territorial dominance, the defence held firm for long spells, with Emma Orr producing two excellent try-saving interventions – one a superb cover tackle on Abby Dow, another to beat Meg Jones to the ball in goal.
Half-time arrived with England 26-3 ahead, but the Scots had already shown the grit and determination that carried them through the group stages.
Konkel’s Farewell and Orr’s Defiance
The second half brought further pressure, England’s scrum earning repeated penalties and their maul driving over for Amy Cokayne’s try. Aitchison later crossed herself to stretch the margin.
But Scotland continued to fight. Captain Rachel Malcolm and lock Emma Wassell led a tireless defensive effort, while the back three sought to counter-attack whenever scraps of possession came their way. Orr again denied Dow a certain score, underlining why the 21-year-old is seen as one of Scotland’s brightest talents.
Late Reward for Lloyd
As the clock ticked past 80 minutes and with England holding a 40-3 advantage, Scotland still chased their moment. Francesca McGhie weaved through defenders from deep, Alex Stewart carried hard in support, and when the ball was worked wide, Rhona Lloyd powered over for a deserved try.
It was the winger’s 28th in Test rugby, and it ensured Scotland ended their World Cup with the flourish their effort merited.
Full Time: England 40-8 Scotland
Looking Ahead
For Scotland, this was a third straight quarter-final defeat to England in a major tournament, but there were positives to take. They matched the hosts for possession in the opening quarter, produced some heroic defence, and bowed out having scored in the dying act against the No 1 side in the world.
England march on to face France in the semi-finals, but for Bryan Easson’s squad, the campaign ends with memories of progress – and with one of Scotland’s greats, Jade Konkel, taking her final bow in dark blue.
