Scottish Rugby

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scottish Rugby must "continue to invest" if the women's game is to keep improving, chairman John McGuigan says.

Scotland's women have steadily improved since handing out full-time professional contracts for the first time in 2022, and had won seven matches in a row before last weekend's loss to France in the Women's Six Nations.

McGuigan insists that development can continue, but only if the women's game is funded properly.

“The key for us in the short term is how we excite more sponsorship into the women’s game," he said.

"You can argue that the women’s game is more attractive to sponsors than the men’s game to some degree in terms of the values and what it represents.

“It’s incumbent on us to find the money to allow the women’s game to grow. We certainly should not follow the path of the men’s game - that has developed over a long period - we should look at the women’s game as a unique product in its own right and how best to nurture that.

“I think we’ve made strides in the Scottish women’s game, but nobody else is standing still.

“We need to continue to invest. The task that I have, the board, the the chief exec, will be finding the sponsorship for a period of time, because the crowds are not going to offset the costs, so we can ensure we make the level of investment that we should.

“The thing I really enjoyed [against France] was the players didn’t come into the changing room for about an hour afterwards because they were standing talking to the crowds and signing autographs.

“I think we could do a lot more in the story of ‘How did I get here?’ We’ve started to do that with the men’s game through Netflix and things: we’ve got a bigger opportunity to bring that to life on the women’s side much quicker.

"Start to explore who the people are that you see on the pitch on a day-to-day basis and create personalities who can connect with the audience in a way that the men’s game has taken a very long time to identify as important.

“And how do we cater for a different type of supporter? Maybe it’s the first time they’ve come to a rugby match, so how do you present it to them?

“We’re starting from a different place. We’ve learned a lot from the men’s game: how do you take the best of that but then align it to how you want the women’s game to evolve?”

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Saracens have agreed to sign Crusaders fly-half Fergus Burke, who is both Scottish and English-qualified, on a deal to begin this summer.

The former New Zealand Under-20 international comes in as Owen Farrell prepares to leave the club for Racing 92 at the end of the season.

Reports suggested the SRU saw Burke as a potential successor to fly-half Finn Russell, with Glasgow Warriors previously linked with the 24-year-old.

He remains eligible to represent Scotland despite his move, but having missed out to England on another Scottish-qualified 10 recently in Fin Smith, Gregor Townsend may fear the worst.

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Scotland scrum half Jenny Maxwell believes Scotland need a more confident attack to put up a good performance against England in the Six Nations and must be wary of their "clinical and dangerous" opponents.

England have blown away their opposition in their opening two games of the tournament, scoring 48 and 46 points against Italy and Wales respectively.

Scotland meanwhile defeated Wales 20-18 before a 15-5 loss to France.

"I want to see Scotland attack a little bit more," Maxwell told the BBC Radio Scotland Rugby Podcast. "Against Wales, we did see that they were getting more carries over the game line, which was making it a bit easier to attack.

"We looked good and we did create some space when we kept ball in hand, but we maybe weren't expecting that and opted to kick instead.

"I think they need to keep building on what they've been doing and just a little bit of accuracy because England will punish Scotland if we are inaccurate. They're so clinical and so dangerous."

Scotland prop Heather Lockhart and scrum-half Jenny Maxwell join Thomas Duncan to discuss Scotland's upcoming game against England in the Women's Six Nations plus they look back on Scotland's performance against France.

Listen to the episode in full here.

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

There is no way to dress it up, Edinburgh’s South African sojourn was an unmitigated disaster.

Zero points from the 10 available and the outcome is that we now sit outside the URC's top eight. However, there are still five games to go in the league campaign and there remains a chance to do what Sean Everitt targeted at the start of the season - qualify for the knockout phase of the URC.

The problem is, and I know I’m not alone in expressing this, it doesn't look like we have any kind of coherent game plan. That can’t be true because surely a professional coaching outfit will have formulated a playing strategy but whatever ours is, it doesn’t seem to survive first contact with the ball, never mind the opposition.

There’s little time to dwell on that now as the Challenge Cup is back this weekend and we take on Bayonne at the Hive.

Bayonne are currently ninth in the Top 14 but are only four points above the relegation zone. They may be slightly distracted by that and haven’t won away from home at all this season.

We sometimes save our best for European competition, to a degree anyway, so with luck that’s the Edinburgh we will see this weekend and maybe that will be the proverbial kick up the backside we need for the rest of this season.

We are clinging on for dear life at the moment and our fingernails are bent to the point of being torn out by the root, but there is still hope.

Sandy Smith can be found on The Burgh Watch, external.

Grant Young
Fan writer

Sensational, fantastic and professional. Glasgow Warriors put Scarlets to the sword with ease on Saturday and climbed to second in the URC table.

Franco Smith's side righted the wrongs of the tight win over Cardiff, with Kyle Rowe and Henco Venter both immense in a statement performance.

Rowe is playing with the confidence gained from a return to international rugby, and has reached a new level in recent weeks.

The attention for Glasgow now switches to the Champions Cup and a real opportunity against in-form Harlequins on Friday.

We could see the return of Jack Demsey, Kyle Steyn and potentially even Sione Tuipulotu from the injury he limped off with at Murrayfield against England.

Glasgow's strength in depth has been very impressive this season, but Quins will pose a completely different challenge.

Glasgow can take inspiration from past European successes on the road - famous victories over Leicester and Racing 92 spring to mind - as they continue this memorable season.

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England international prop Paul Hill will join Edinburgh from Northampton Saints at the end of this season on a two-year deal, the club have announced.

Hill has made 187 appearances in nine years with Northampton, won the Premiership in 2019, and earned the last of six England caps in 2021.

The 29-year-old moves north as a replacement for WP Nel, who will retire from rugby at the end of the current campaign.

“This is a really exciting challenge and one that I can’t wait to get stuck into," Hill said.

"From everything I’ve read and heard, Edinburgh is an amazing club and city, while it will be great to test myself in a new league in the URC.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at Northampton, and I can’t speak highly enough of the people connected to the club and fans who’ve backed me throughout my career so far. However, after nine seasons, the time was right to move on. My family and I are really excited about this move.

"I know I’ve still got a huge amount to offer. Given my experience, I can hopefully help out some of the younger Scottish props coming through the system too."

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt added: "We’re really happy to secure the signature of a player of Paul’s [Hill] quality and experience. He’s played a lot of rugby at a top level and his arrival will only help drive standards and competition at the tighthead position.

"With WP [Nel] hanging up his boots at the end of the year, it was imperative we recruited well in that department. We feel Paul has all the attributes to succeed in our pack, and he can hit the ground running straight away this summer."

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Ally Miller says the "faith" shown in him was a "big factor" in him resigning with Glasgow Warriors.

The back-rower has signed a new contract with the Scotstoun club until the summer of 2026.

Eleven of Miller's 26 appearances for Glasgow since switching from Edinburgh in 2021 have come this season in a breakthrough campaign.

“I’m really excited to re-sign,” Miller told Warriors club media, external. “Since arriving at the club, I’ve been really fortunate to receive the opportunities that I have, but I’ve also had a few injuries.

“I’ve loved the stretch of game time that I’ve had this season, and knowing that Franco [Smith] has the confidence in you and the squad to get the job done is testament to how much everyone is pulling in the right direction.

“I’ve just enjoyed getting my head down and working hard to get back into action, and everyone at the club has been brilliant. That was a big factor in my decision to renew, because knowing that people at the club have faith in you and what you contribute to the team is massive. I’m loving being a part of the club, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I get.”

Glasgow head coach Smith added: “Ally has shown great dedication to come back from the long-term injury he suffered last season, and he has taken every opportunity that has come his way with both hands.

“He has been a big contributor for us this season, not just on the field but around the training environment. He’s a very detailed player and person and he gives his all across the board.

“We’re looking forward to helping to further develop Ally and help him become the best version of himself.”

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Tighthead props D'Arcy Rae and Angus Williams have extended their contracts with Edinburgh.

Scotland international Rae has signed a one-year-deal, while Williams - who qualifies for Scotland despite hailing from New Zealand - has joined up for another two seasons.

While Rae has struggled for game time, with just three appearances all season, the 29-year-old is "really happy" to extend his stay in the capital.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in the east so far, getting to know a new club, squad, and fan base," he said on extending terms with Edinburgh.

“Working with Sean [Everitt] and Stevie [Lawrie] has been great. We’ve got a really strong group of props at the club, who all do a top job of driving each other on."

In that crop, is Williams, who noted he has "developed massively" since "settling in his home of Edinburgh".

“The club is in a great place across the board," he said. "Sean has come in and challenged us as a group and I feel we are in a brilliant place to excel this season.”

“I have developed massively since joining Edinburgh and it’s credit to the environment created by the players and coaches at the club."

Head coach Everitt expressed his delight at securing the services of two "quality" players beyond this season.

On their extensions he said, “Angus and D’Arcy both have a bit of grit and resolve about their game, while they enjoy the daily grind of improving themselves.

“They are both really consistent trainers who bring the same energy and commitment every day. I’ve been really impressed with both players during my time at the club.

“It’s brilliant to have two quality players signed up for next season, adding further strength and depth to the tighthead position.”

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We asked for your thoughts on Scotland's narrow defeat to France in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Dave: French defence was too good in the second half but was hoping we had a wee bit more creativity. Deserved a losing bonus point at the very least.

Brian: Great and gutsy performance by the Scottish women. If they can perform in this manner throughout the Six Nations, they will finish third. That would be a terrific achievement.

David: Decent defensive efforts in patches, but the attack is just non-existent.

Sam: Great game. Close and so much better than last year. These Scottish girls are really improving and I can’t wait for World Cup 2025. Come on Scotland!

CP: Would have been very fair reflection if the match had remained at 8-5. What a difference a year makes. Go girls, a great match to watch too - full of resilience, guile & class

Glasgow fans are delighted after their side's dominating win over Scarlets in the URC.

Kenny: Toony’s tombola has been succeeded by Franco’s fraternity. The way he’s got this entire squad contributing is really special. Right now it feels like whichever 23 step up, it might not be perfect, but it will be effective.

Peter: Glasgow looked good but Scarlets were poor. Glasgow left a lot of points on the field and were guilty of some white line fever at times but you can’t argue with 45 points and no tries conceded.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh fans are less pleased as their team lost out to Sharks in South Africa.

Andrew: Edinburgh just don’t look like a team. There was plenty individual efforts but overpowered yet again. I have no idea what an Edinburgh attacking shape looks like and if the players do they can’t achieve it because of unforced errors.

Ian: Sean Everitt surely doesn't get a second season. Tough ask to get anything off a team full of Springboks coming into form, but the attack is non existent.

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Former Scotland prop Heather Lockhart insists there's no need for Bryan Easson's side to make "drastic" changes after their dramatic Six Nations defeat to France.

"It wasn't to be but I'm really proud of the Scotland girls and what they put in today," she said on BBC One.

"They'll be disappointed with the result and disappointed with the way the game finished with France getting the try at the end of there.

"It was similar to what we saw last week. We maybe just lacked accuracy in key moments of the game.

"The second-half was slightly different with them going into the wind. They played a really great territory game in the first-half, that became a little bit more difficult for Scotland.

"I don't think they need to go away and change anything drastic, it's just that accuracy when the pressure is really mounting."

It was a mixed bag for the Scottish sides in the URC this weekend.

Edinburgh suffered back-to-back defeats in South Africa as they were outmuscled by the star-studded Sharks, while Glasgow moved up to second with a first league win at Scarlets in eight years.

What did you make of the games? Have your say here.

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Did you watch Scotland's Women's Six Nations defeat by France? What did you think of the result and the performance?

Have your say here.

Head coach Bryan Easson believes Scotland are "going places" after running France close in the Women's Six Nations.

The Scots narrowly missed out on a losing bonus point as a late converted try gave the French a 15-5 win in Edinburgh, which ended a seven-match winning run for Easson's side.

"It was really encouraging in so many ways," he said.

"Defensively we put our bodies on the line. Our lineout defence was outstanding, put them under pressure. I thought we pressurised them all the way. They deserved a point out of that, they deserved a bonus point.

"We are going places. We are a team that's going in a really good direction.

"England here next. I know we will put in another performance that will make us all proud."

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Did you watch Edinburgh's second game in South Africa? What did you think of the result and the performance?

Have your say here.

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As Scotland gear up to take on France in the second round of the Six Nations, here are the most eye-catching stats:

• Scotland have won their last three Six Nations games, their longest run in the championship since 2005.

• France are unbeaten across their last 12 Six Nations games against Scotland and have kept the Scots from scoring in seven of those games including their last meeting which finished 55-0.

• Scotland have won their last two Six Nations home games after winning just one out of the previous 12. The most recent of which came by a 26-point margin against Ireland (36-10), their largest win since 2003.

• France have won five of their last seven Six Nations away games with an average of 29 points.

• In the first round of the Six Nations this year Scotland recorded the highest tackle success rate of any team at 97%. They only missed five of their 169 attempts at a tackle against Wales; no other team missed fewer than 16 tackles in the match.