Scottish Rugby

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Scotland attach coach Matt Banahan credits the growth of women's sport with helping to supplement Scotland's rise over the last 12 months.

Flanker Alex Stewart, 20, has become a key part of Scotland's forward pack while Gloucester backs Leia Brebner-Holden, 22, and 20-year-old Lucia Scott made their debuts in last weekend's win over Wales.

"I think the growth of women's sports has been massive," Banahan said. "The exposure that they're getting in the professional game, higher-quality coaches and opposition, is only going to grow the game.

"We are on a factor of that, we've got a group of players at an age range that are absorbing a lot of information and growing their game because they're having a bigger expansion of what they're being exposed to.

"Sport in general now for women and girls, they're able to start at younger so that the girls that are playing now have been playing it for 10 years, from being a wee girl, rather than - in years gone by - starting playing at university."

And it has been a meteoric rise. Between March 2017 and April 2023, Scotland had won 10 of 41 Tests. If they beat Fiji on Saturday, it will be 10 wins in their last 13.

"Sport's all about confidence and the more wins that help with confidence, but the performance is more base for me," Banahan added.

"It's a great group of girls to be involved in. I just finished my first year and hopefully people can see what I've been trying to bed in and at the weekend it was nice to see the hard work that they've put in to show on the pitch with the amount of opportunities we created and also took on the pitch."

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Glasgow head coach Franco Smith has already met with incoming Scottish Rugby advisor David Nucifora ahead of the Australian's arrival in November.

Nucifora's appointment is considered a coup and the former Wallaby will effectively become Scotland's performance director for the next two years.

"When I was performance director with Italy, we had a lot to do with each other and spoke often and we share similar ideas," Smith said of his relationship with Nucifora.

"I've had a meeting with him just to explain where we're about and what we're trying to do here. His focus will lean more to the rest of Scotland's player pathway.

"I can't foresee immediate change to what should be done at our level. But he's definitely going to influence the pathway as soon as possible I believe."

Speaking at a United Rugby Championship media conference, Smith also said he's "not dissatisfied" with reigning champions Glasgow's pre-season, despite losing to Zebre and Connacht.

"We don't read much into the results, the approach is completely different going forward," he added.

"I'm not concerned at all, but we'll be looking forward to having some fresh boys in the environment.

"We finished very late [last season] and had most of the squad travelling with Scotland over the summer. The rest, the way we play, the creativity and enthusiasm are important ingredients.

"To have them back a little bit later was important. I'm not too concerned about the pre-season games. We've done enough."

Smith affirmed his belief that Glasgow will have a target on their back this season after winning the URC.

"It goes without saying I think it will," he said. "It doesn't change what we need to do and how we're going to go about our business, but I'm sure the teams will approach us differently."

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Edinburgh have issued a squad fitness update, external before the new URC season, boosted by the impending return of Scotland flanker Luke Crosbie.

Crosbie is set to resume training next week after recovering from a neck injury, but James Lang will miss "a number of weeks" after picking up a quad issue in pre-season.

Meanwhile, Scotland caps Glen Young and Sam Skinner are some way away from action. The club say they are likely to return in late October and early November, respectively.

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Glasgow Warriors suffered a 28-21 defeat by visitors Connacht as the sides continue their build-up to the new United Rugby Championship season.

Dylan Tierney-Martin grabbed the first try for the Irish side, with Cathal Forde adding the conversion.

Warriors responded through a Tom Jordan try, with Adam Hastings with the successful kick, but every time the hosts responded, Connacht edged back in front.

David O'Connor's try and another Forde conversion were met by seven more points from Angus Fraser and Hastings, only for Connacht to strike again through Shane Jennings and Forde for a 21-14 half-time lead.

Shayne Bolton and Forde combined to stretch the lead further, with Gregor Brown's late try, converted by Tom Jordan, not enough to save Warriors from defeat.

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Leia Brebner-Holden has described making her Scotland debut as "unbelievable" after earning her first international cap during Friday’s six-try victory over Wales.

The scrum-half ran on as a second-half replacement as Scotland eased to a 40-14 win at Hive Stadium.

"Most people think I’m not much of a crier, but I am,” Brebner-Holden told Scottish Rugby.

"This really means a lot to me. I have a lot of pride to put this shirt on and wear this cap for the first time.

"It was an absolutely unbelievable feeling. Playing in front of a home crowd for a first cap is so special and I can’t wait to hopefully get that opportunity again."

The 22-year-old will be hoping to earn a second international cap next Saturday when Scotland return to Hive Stadium to take on Fiji. The match will be shown live on the BBC Sport website and app as well as iPlayer.

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Meryl Smith praised Scotland fans for creating an "exciting" atmosphere during Friday's 40-14 victory over Wales at Hive Stadium.

Nearly 2,000 fans watched Bryan Easson’s side produce a dominant six-try victory in Edinburgh, as they continued their preparations for WXV2.

"Friday nights under the lights are always good," centre Smith, 23 told Scottish Rugby.

"I’m really glad everyone could come down after work or after a long day and cheer us on. We could definitely hear everyone, it was an exciting day.

"The first half was a bit sticky but it’s the first match of the season, so we weren’t expecting it to be our best performance.

"We came out in the second half with energy and we pulled together. We played some good rugby and the results came.”

Scotland return to Hive Stadium next Saturday to face Fiji, which will be available to watch on the BBC Sport website and app as well as BBC iPlayer.

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You can watch Scotland women's autumn Tests against Wales and Fiji live on the BBC.

Friday's game with Wales (19:35 BST kick-off) at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh will be shown on BBC Alba, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Bryan Easson's side then move on to a first-ever meeting with Fiji on Saturday, 14 September (16:45) at the same venue. That will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Should you need to catch up or relive the action, both games will be available to watch on demand on the iPlayer.

The double-header serves as a warm-up for Scotland's defence of the WXV 2 title later this month.

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Lock Sarah Bonar returns from a shoulder injury to start for Scotland in Friday's WXV 2 warm-up match against Wales.

Bonar, who has been out since the Six Nations in March, will link up with Fi McIntosh in the second row at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.

Number eight Jade Konkel is also back from injury, having not featured since the 2023 Six Nations, and is among the replacements.

Leia Brebner-Holden and Lucia Scott could make their debuts off the bench.

Following the meeting with Wales, Scotland host Fiji on 14 September before the defence of their WXV 2 title.

Bryan Easson's side will play Italy (28 September), Japan (5 October) and Australia (12 October) in South Africa as they look to retain the trophy.

Scotland: Chloe Rollie, Coreen Grant, Emma Orr, Meryl Smith, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Mairi McDonald, Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Fi McIntosh, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Alex Stewart, Evie Gallagher.

Replacements: Elis Martin, Anne Young, Elliann Clarke, Louise McMillan, Eva Donaldson, Jade Konkel, Leia Brebner-Holden, Lucia Scott.

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Louise McMillan has joined up with Scotland's squad for this month's Tests with Wales and Fiji.

The 39-times capped lock had missed out on the original squad but could now feature at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.

Saracens' McMillan, 27, offers head coach Bryan Easson experience, having represented Scotland since 2016.

The matches with Wales and Fiji are warm-ups for Scotland's WXV2 defence. The Scots will face Italy (28 September), Japan (5 October) and Australia (12 October) in South Africa.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Edinburgh's squad is just as strong as Glasgow's and the capital side should be aiming to replicate Warriors' URC title success, according to full-back Harry Paterson.

The Scottish sides could hardly have had more contrasting league campaigns last season, as Glasgow became champions while Edinburgh missed out on the play-offs after finishing 10th in the table.

Paterson says Edinburgh can learn from what their rivals produced last season.

"On paper we've got to realise that our squad's just as strong," Paterson told BBC Sport Scotland.

"We've got to figure out a way to try and achieve that success, even if that's learning a thing or two from Glasgow. It's a big motivator I think."

Paterson shot to prominence with an assured display on his Scotland debut against France in the 2024 Six Nations having only been drafted into the team on the morning of the game.

Injury problems soon followed but some impressive performances on the summer tour of the Americas were a reminder of Paterson's immense potential.

"It's been a bit of a crazy period," he said.

"I had some time off which was nice to digest everything and relax for a bit and then come back into it. I suppose a lot of it was quite surprising last year and but once you get a taste for it you want to compete and go again.

"You've got to prove yourself again and again and again. So that's really what I'm thinking now, just trying to get back and play really well for Edinburgh.

"I think for me, the big one is just staying fit consistently. So trying to just get a run of games and just being available."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Centre Matt Currie says improving Edinburgh's attack is a key focus this season as they look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in which they "underperformed".

Sean Everitt's side finished last season in 10th place in the United Rugby Championship, missing out on the play-offs.

Scott Mathie has been brought in as the club's new attack coach and Currie believes the South African can help spark Edinburgh's talented backline into life.

"Scott's come in, he's got a lot of energy, he's got new ideas, so it's I think the boys are buying into what he's bringing in and hopefully we can convert that onto the pitch," Currie told BBC Sport Scotland.

"It's definitely something that we want to work on. There's maybe a little bit of room for growth there from last season."

Currie leads the way for selection in Edinburgh's centres after a season in which he was named one of the URC's breakout stars.

He followed an impressive campaign by picking up his first three Scotland caps as the national side toured the Americas, with the 23-year-old scoring against Chile.

"It'll be a good season in terms of competition," he added. "We've got two new boys in, we've got Matt Scott and Mosese Tuipulotu who've been class in training and they've definitely upped the standard for the whole team.

"It's more competition but I think it's only going to drive us further as a team and hopefully be a good thing."

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Tonga back-rower Sione Vailanu "can't wait" to return from injury after signing a two-year contract extension with Glasgow Warriors.

The 29-year-old has been out since December with a knee injury sustained in the 1872 Cup win over Edinburgh at Scotstoun.

Vailanu joined Glasgow from Worcester two years and has made 28 appearances for the current URC champions, scoring eight tries.

"I love this club and I want to get back on the pitch as soon as possible," said Vailanu.

"The boys were outstanding in the back end of last season, and I want to get myself physically and mentally ready to get out and help to do my bit for the team."

Head coach Franco Smith added: "We’re pleased to retain Sione’s services for another couple of seasons as we continue to build towards what is set to be another physically demanding campaign.

“He is someone that has bought into our culture and our environment, and his performances on the field have reflected that when he has been selected."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm has backed "phenomenal" Rhona Lloyd to bounce back from her Olympics heartache and play a key role for the national team.

The winger, who has 23 tries in 50 Scotland caps, has been a regular for Great Britain's sevens side in recent years.

However, she was left out of the squad to compete at this summer's Paris Games, having also missed out on selection for Tokyo in 2021.

"No one works harder than Rhona," Malcom told BBC Sport Scotland.

"She inspires every single one of us.

"We're hugely proud of her in the sense of the work that she's put in across 15s and sevens. She's an incredible person. She is the heartbeat of our team.

"If anyone's going to bounce back and come back stronger than ever, it's Rhona Lloyd. And this is definitely going to be her year."

Scotland take on Wales and Fiji in preparation for the defence of their WXV2 title in South Africa next month.

Malcolm says the work starts now towards next year’s World Cup – the Scots can cement their spot for the tournament in England at WXV2 - and believes the squad is stronger and more competitive than it has ever been.

"The standard of the women coming into our squad is exceptional," Malcolm said.

"I remember when I came into the squad, I definitely wasn't of an international standard, but I was playing at an international level.

"Whereas the girls coming in now through the Under-20s and different pathways through down south and playing in the Premier 15s and all these things, the standard is so much better."

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Scottish Rugby has tasked David Nucifora with driving "change in all areas of our development structure" after confirming his appointment in an advisory role on a two-year contract.

Nucifora recently ended a 10-year spell as Ireland's performance director during which the men's national team topped the world rankings and won four Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.

He will also advise Scottish Rugby on the appointment of a permanent performance director.

Chair John McGuigan said: "I'm delighted David has agreed to join Scottish Rugby at a time of fundamental change in the sport.

"To ensure we can compete at the highest level we need someone of David’s experience to design and implement, at pace, a structure that supports our best talent.

"David's success with the IRFU speaks for itself and we now look forward to his expertise being applied to the development of rugby in Scotland."

Nucifora said: "I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Scottish Rugby.

"I’m well aware of the ambition Scotland has as a rugby nation and the desire to nurture talent to ensure we can compete at the highest level over the long term.

"To ensure this ambition can be realised we will design and implement a structure which supports high performance outcomes."

Read more on Nucifora here

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Helen Nelson says the chance to play in the World Cup is keeping Scotland women "level-headed" as they prepare for the Autumn Tests against Wales and Fiji, and then the WXV2 campaign.

The Scots are all but qualified for the World Cup and Nelson says the players are keeping one eye towards the tournament in England.

"We've been talking about that 14-month journey and everything is building towards the World Cup," the Scotland vice captain said.

"Building our depth in the squad is really important and also that base fitness. pre-season is all about getting that, working hard but also just knowing we've got that World Cup as the end goal in sight.

"That's been really good to keep up level-headed and know that we've got that in our sight."