Scotland have been dealt a blow ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup after losing Emma Scott to a broken hand. However, there’s relief in the camp as hooker Lana Skeldon has been cleared to play despite leaving the pitch on a stretcher during Saturday’s clash with Ireland.
Head coach Bryan Easson called Skeldon’s recovery a “huge relief,” praising the Bristol player — Scotland’s most-capped squad member with 81 appearances — as “exceptional” and vital for their campaign.
“When we saw her go down, it was heart-in-mouth stuff,” Easson admitted.
There’s also history being made: Elliann and Rhea Clarke of Bristol Bears become the first Scottish sisters to feature in the same Women’s Rugby World Cup squad. While scrum-half Rhea has just one international cap, her sister Elliann, a prop, has represented Scotland 22 times.
The squad also features Hannah Walker (Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh), the only uncapped player selected, and second row Emma Wassell, who makes a remarkable return after recovering from a benign chest tumour diagnosed last September.
Captain Rachel Malcolm will lead a 32-player group — comprising 18 forwards and 14 backs — in Pool B against Wales, Fiji, and Canada. Impressively, 21 of the players were part of Scotland’s 2022 World Cup squad.
For Easson, this tournament will be his last in charge.
“The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle for any player and for our management team too. It’s our last dance, and I’m excited to see how far this group can go. I want to finish this on the best possible note.”
