Scotland Women’s rugby team has unveiled its squad for the opening clash of the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, set to take on Wales this Saturday at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh. Head Coach Bryan Easson has named an exciting lineup, featuring a debut for Bristol Bears second-row Hollie Cunningham, who will partner with seasoned campaigner Sarah Bonar in the engine room.
The front row sees Anne Young and Elliann Clarke stepping up for their first Six Nations starts at loosehead and tighthead prop, respectively, flanking Scotland veteran Lana Skeldon at hooker. Captain Rachel Malcolm anchors the back row from the blindside, joined by Rachel McLachlan on the openside and the dynamic Evie Gallagher at number eight.
In the backline, Leia Brebner-Holden takes the reins at scrum-half, linking with vice-captain Helen Nelson at stand-off. The midfield duo of Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr continues their partnership, while the back three boasts flair with Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie on the wings and Chloe Rollie at full-back.
Easson has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, leaning heavily on forward reinforcements with Elis Martin, Leah Bartlett, Christine Belisle, Aila Ronald, Eva Donaldson, and debutant Adelle Ferrie ready to make an impact. The backline cover comes from Meryl Smith and Evie Wills, the latter returning after a three-year absence due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Fans can catch all the action as this revamped squad looks to set the tone against a Welsh side eager to impress under new leadership. The match will be broadcast live on BBC Two and iPlayer from 4:30 PM.
15- Chloe Rollie – Trailfinders Women (70)
14- Rhona Lloyd – Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais (52)
13- Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (24)
12- Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (64)
11- Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (17)
10- Helen Nelson (vice-captain) – Loughborough Lightning (65)
9- Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (5)
1- Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (15)
2- Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (74)
3- Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (15)
4- Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (uncapped)
5- Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (42)
6- Rachel Malcolm (captain) – Unattached (52)
7- Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (46)
8- Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (31)
Replacements
16- Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (15)
17- Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (38)
18- Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (40)
19- Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (uncapped)
20- Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (8)
21- Jade Konkel – Harlequins (66)
22- Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (27)
23- Evie Wills – Leicester Tigers (3)
