Sione Fukofuka Names First Scotland Women’s Six Nations Squad
Sione Fukofuka has named his first Scotland Women’s Six Nations squad, marking a new era for the team following the departure of Bryan Easson after the Rugby World Cup. The 38-player training squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, with nine uncapped players selected.
Returning Faces and Notable Inclusions
Rachel Malcolm will continue as captain, leading a squad that features several familiar names. Emma Wassell is set to return to the Six Nations after a two-year absence due to injury and a benign tumour. Louise McMillan also makes a return to the squad, having not featured recently at the international level.
Experienced Players Form the Core
The squad boasts a wealth of experience, with players like Lana Skeldon (84 caps), Helen Nelson (75 caps), and Rhona Lloyd (62 caps) providing a strong foundation. Several players from the Rugby World Cup 2025 squad – 24 in total – have been included, ensuring continuity and familiarity.
New Caps and Development Players
Nine uncapped players have been invited to join the training squad, offering opportunities for new talent to emerge. Seven development players, who have featured in the Celtic Challenge competition for Glasgow Warriors, have also been included, signaling a focus on nurturing future stars.
Retirements Shape the New Squad
The squad has been shaped by the recent retirements of Jade Konkel, Lisa Cockburn, and Caity Mattinson, creating space for new players to step up and make their mark.
Squad Breakdown
Forwards
- Leah Bartlett (Sale Sharks/49 caps)
- Holland Bogan (Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County/uncapped)
- Becky Boyd (Loughborough Lightning/3 caps)
- Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears/24 caps)
- Emily Coubrough (Glasgow Warriors/University of Edinburgh/uncapped)
- Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears/2 caps)
- Eva Donaldson (Sale Sharks/21 caps)
- Poppy Fletcher (Glasgow Warriors/University of Edinburgh/uncapped)
- Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears/40 caps)
- Rachel Malcolm (Trailfinders Women/61 caps)
- Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning/26 caps)
- Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier/56 caps)
- Louise McMillan (Saracens/53 caps)
- Molly Poolman (Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC/7 caps)
- Aila Ronald (Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh/uncapped)
- Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears/84 caps)
- Imogen Spence (Glasgow Warriors/University of Edinburgh/uncapped)
- Alex Stewart (Edinburgh Rugby/17 caps)
- Aicha Sutcliffe (Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County/uncapped)
- Emma Wassell (Trailfinders Women/72 caps)
- Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning/22 caps)
Backs
- Ceitidh Ainsworth (Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County/uncapped)
- Leia Brebner-Holden (Loughborough Lightning/15 caps)
- Shona Campbell (Sale Sharks/9 caps)
- Rhea Clarke (Bristol Bears/2 caps)
- Rianna Darroch (Glasgow Warriors/Hillhead Jordanhill/uncapped)
- Coreen Grant (Harlequins/17 caps)
- Rhona Lloyd (Sale Sharks/62 caps)
- Francesca McGhie (Trailfinders Women/26 caps)
- Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning/75 caps)
- Emma Orr (Bristol Bears/34 caps)
- Rachel Philipps (Sale Sharks/1 cap)
- Hannah Ramsay (Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC/2 caps)
- Chloe Rollie (Toulon Provence Méditerranée/81 caps)
- Lucia Scott (Loughborough Lightning/7 caps)
- Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears/22 caps)
- Hannah Walker (Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh/uncapped)
- Evie Wills (Sale Sharks/8 caps)
Looking Ahead
The squad will convene at Oriam, Scotland’s national performance centre for sport, on Tuesday, March 31st, to initiate preparations for the championship.
FAQ
Who is the captain of the Scotland Women’s Six Nations squad? Rachel Malcolm.
How many uncapped players are in the squad? Nine.
Who is the head coach? Sione Fukofuka.
Did you know? Emma Wassell is returning to the Six Nations after overcoming a benign tumour.
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