Dave Butcher, the interim head coach of Scotland Women, unveiled a 32-player squad for the upcoming home fixtures of the inaugural Vodafone Scotland WXV series. The selected group includes a balanced lineup of 18 forwards and 14 backs, reflecting a mix of experience and emerging talent.
Key returnees and new faces
Rachel Malcolm, Scotland Women’s long-time captain, returns to lead the team after missing the final three matches of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Her presence brings stability and leadership to the squad. Other key players making a comeback include Anne Young, Evie Gallagher, and Sarah Bonar, who are set to strengthen the forward line.
All three players are available for selection after overcoming injuries that kept them sidelined for the recent Six Nations campaign. Young and Gallagher were active in the last round of the PWR season for their clubs. Bonar added to her form with appearances for the Barbarians this summer. Their return offers depth and versatility in the pack.
The squad also features three uncapped players from Glasgow Warriors: tighthead prop Imogen Spence, and backs Ceitidh Ainsworth and Nicole Flynn. All three have taken part in recent training camps as part of the Central Programme, showing promise. Winger Katie Buchanan, eligible to represent Scotland through her grandmother, joins them as the fourth uncapped player in the group, rounding out a mix of youth and experience.
Injuries and absences
Unfortunately, some key players are missing from the squad due to injuries. Francesca McGhie, Lisa Thomson, and Emily Coubrough will not be available for selection for the upcoming home fixtures. Their absences will be a challenge, but the squad remains well-stocked with depth across the positions.
Vodafone, Scottish Rugby’s principal partner, has extended its support for women’s rugby by taking naming rights for the revamped Vodafone Scotland WXV Series. The three home games in Edinburgh are part of the broader WXV Global Series, which is presented by Mitsubishi Electric.
Fixtures and preparations
The team will begin their preparations on Monday, 10 August, when the squad gathers at Oriam. They are set to host some of the world’s top teams at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. The fixtures include matches against the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up Canada on 12 September. Current world number two New Zealand is on 19 September, and Australia on 26 September.
Following the home fixtures, Scotland Women will travel to Australia in October for a double-header. They will play against Australia in Sydney on 17 October and in Canberra on 24 October. For these away matches, a different 32-player squad will be selected. This allows for fresh perspectives and adjustments.
Mark Huckerby, Head of Sponsorship at VodafoneThree, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. He noted, “We’re delighted to partner with this series of fixtures as Scotland host three of the leading sides in the world. We’re proud to be right there with them.”
The full squad consists of established stars such as Lana Skeldon, who has earned 87 caps, and Emma Wassell with 78 caps. The team is also highlighted by emerging talents, including the uncapped players Ainsworth, Flynn, and Buchanan, who show great potential.