Scotland women's national rugby league team

Last updated

Scotland
Team information
Governing body Scotland Rugby League
Region Europe
Head coachJohn Whalley
IRL ranking NR (21 July 2025) [1]
Uniforms
Kit left arm.svg
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Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
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First colours
Team results
First international
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 18–12 Scotland Flag of Scotland.svg
(Neath, Wales; 3 August 2025)

The Scotland women's national rugby league team represents Scotland in women's rugby league. They are administered by Scotland Rugby League.

Contents

History

In May 2018, Scotland Rugby League announced that they would include a women's section at their development day and sought to find players eligible to play for a Scotland women's team. [2] The following year Andrea Dobson was appointed to be the first head coach for a women's national team to be launched with the aim of taking part in the 2021 Women's Emerging Nations World Championship. [a] [3] However, in March 2020, rugby league in Scotland was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and in August 2020, the tournament was cancelled, leading to the establishment of a Scotland women's team being postponed. [4] [5]

In February 2025, Scotland Rugby League announced a new coaching setup for the women's team, with John Whalley taking on the role of head coach. [6] [7] The first train-on squad for the Scotland women's team was announced in April 2025 along with plans for their initial matches, later confirmed to be against Wales in August and a tri-series with Jamaica and England Community Lions beginning in October. [8] [9] [10] [7] Scotland were also invited to take part in the RFL Women's Nines in July 2025, but withdrew shortly before the competition. [7] [11] [b]

On 3 August 2025, Scotland made their international debut against Wales. Their first try was scored by Grace Field in the opening minutes of the match. Scotland, who trailed 12–10 at half time, drew level in the second half, but ultimately lost 18–12 with Wales scoring the winning try in the last two minutes of the match. [12] [13]

Players

Squad for match against Wales on 3 August 2025: [14]

PlayerClub
Ciorstaidh AinsworthStirling County RFC
Georgia Briggs Oulton Raidettes
Grace Field Leeds Rhinos
Demi Fisher Swinton Lionesses
Betti GinnellyStewartry Sirens RFC
Isabel Glover Thatto Heath Crusaders
Kaiya Glynn Leeds Rhinos
Abi Gordon Leigh Leopards
Stephanie Gray Salford Red Devils
Charlotte Hill Swinton Lionesses
Enya Lackie Bristol Golden Ferns
Rebecca MoffatCartha Queens Park RFC
Morgan Pearson Swinton Lionesses
Sammi Simpson Swinton Lionesses
Rebecca Smart London Broncos
Sarah Smart London Broncos
Nicole Stewart Barrow Raiders
Evie TonkinWorkington Town
Emma Welsford Swinton Lionesses

Results

DateScore [c] OpponentTournamentVenueVideoReport(s)
3 August 202512–18Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales International The Gnoll, Neath, Wales [15] [12] [13]
18 October 20254–18 Flag of England.svg England Amateurs Friendly Pilkington Recs, St Helens, England

Upcoming fixtures

Notes

  1. ↑ This would have been held as part of the 2021 Festival of World Cups
  2. ↑ Note that several members of the Scotland squad for their first international played for clubs that took part in the 2025 Nines
  3. ↑ Scotland score given first

References

  1. ↑ "IRL World Rankings: Women". International Rugby League. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  2. ↑ "Women's Development Day". Scotland Rugby League. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  3. ↑ "Scotland appoint Dobson as Women's Head Coach". Scotland Rugby League. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  4. ↑ "Scotland Rugby League suspends all rugby in Scotland". Scotland Rugby League. 13 March 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  5. ↑ Shaw, Matthew (27 August 2020). "Festival of World Cups postponed". Total Rugby League. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  6. ↑ "Scotland Women's Rugby League announce new coaching team". Scotland Rugby League. 16 February 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
  7. 1 2 3 "Scotland Women to make debut". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3485. 16 June 2025. p. 2.
  8. ↑ "Scotland Women name 2025 train-on squad". Scotland Rugby League. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  9. ↑ "England, Jamaica, Scotland to contest women's tri-series". International Rugby League. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  10. ↑ "Wales to host Scotland Women's international debut ahead of England clash". International Rugby League. 2 July 2025. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
  11. ↑ "Wigan Warriors retain Women's Nines title in remarkable fashion". Total Rugby League. 6 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  12. 1 2 "Wales Women work hard for win over Scotland". Wales Rugby League. 3 August 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  13. 1 2 "Scotland beaten by Wales at the last in thrilling international debut". Total Rugby League. 3 August 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  14. ↑ "Wales and Scotland Women name squads for historic clash". European Rugby League. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  15. ↑ "Wales v Scotland - Live Rugby League - English Commentary - S4C". YouTube. S4C Chwaraeon. 3 August 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  16. ↑ "USA Hawks to Face Scotland Bravehearts in Historic Triple-Header in Las Vegas 2026". International Rugby League. 21 August 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
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