Scotland 'can't get comfortable' with World Cup looming

Fraser Brown won 61 caps for Scotland and played at two World Cups

Scotland Women are well placed to continue their impressive recent development, but cannot afford to get complacent, according to forwards coach and former international Fraser Brown.

Under head coach Bryan Easson, Scotland had a run of seven consecutive Test wins from 2023 into 2024, including an unbeaten WXV2 campaign.

They finished fourth in this year's Six Nations, beating Wales and Italy, and could have finished higher were it not for a narrow defeat away to Ireland.

Running France close was evidence of how Scotland have closed the gap to the traditionally stronger international sides, and Brown - who retired from playing earlier this year - has been impressed by the talent on show since he joined Easson's set-up four weeks ago.

"I've been a player for a long time, done some coaching, done a little bit in the women's game, but you never know what to expect coming into a new environment," the 35-year-old said.

"Week one was a little bit different to what I’m used to experiencing, but the last couple of weeks have been brilliant. The players have been excellent, really receptive and they've worked really hard.

"I've been really impressed. We've got some good athletes, skilful athletes as well, and more importantly we’ve got some really hard workers.

"I didn't know where our knowledge and understanding would be in terms of some of the things we’re looking to bring in; all the players have absorbed it and run with it.

"The first two weeks there were a lot of new ideas, but particularly last week I was really impressed with how they've adapted and started to take ownership of what we’re asking."

With the 2025 World Cup almost exactly a year away, Brown wants Scotland to build up a head of steam, starting with two Autumn Tests against Wales and Fiji in Edinburgh next month before they look to defend their WXV2 title.

In order to do that, Brown says Scottish Rugby must continue to invest in women's rugby and on the pitch, the team must ultimately deliver results.

"You need to win, whether you like it or not," Brown said. "When you win in sport it generates momentum, public interest and participation, particularly in younger groups. We need to keep growing as individuals, coaches and especially players.

"There's a short-term goal, which is the next five games, but then the World Cup is months out. There's still a lot of improvement in the squad and that's what we’ve been pushing every day.

"You can't put a ceiling on your own performance, you can't get comfortable, you have to keep learning and growing. As a union as well, we have to grow and invest. It's not easy. If we win and play well it helps that momentum."