SCOTLAND coach Philip Doyle has included five uncapped players in his squad for next weekend’s friendly against Spain. Rachel Law, Mairi McDonald and Alex Wallace are the three backs who will hope to make their debuts in the match at the Juan Rojas stadium, while the two uncapped forwards are Leah Bartlett and Molly Wright.
Captain Rachel Malcolm will travel with the group and is listed as a member of the squad, but will take no part in the match because of a hand injury. Vice-captain Helen Nelson will deputise. Full-back Chloe Rollie is also on the injury list.
“I am excited to get to Spain and get this busy year under way,” Doyle said. “We had a camp at the start of January, which was a very physical, tough camp for the players. They were all worked extremely hard and all players were able to keep their work rate up and really push themselves.
“I am excited to see what the new players will bring into the squad. We have a lot of youth in the squad right now. This has brought in an added competitiveness within the squad for certain positions. The players are all working hard for their positions and it has raised the standard in the whole squad.”
Scotland’s Six Nations campaign starts with a match against Ireland at Donnybrook on Sunday 2 February. The team’s first home game is at Scotstoun a week later against England.
Scotland squad (for friendly v Spain in Almeria, Sunday 19 January):
Backs: Sarah Denholm (Edinburgh University), Megan Gaffney (Watsonians), Rachel Law (Edinburgh University), Rhona Lloyd (Loughborough Lightning), Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning), Mairi McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill), Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning), Hannah Smith (Watsonians), Lisa Thomson (Darlington Mowden Park), Evie Tonkin (Darlington Mowden Park), Alex Wallace (Harrogate).
Forwards: Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning), Christine Belisle (Cartha Queen’s Park), Sarah Bonar (Loughborough Lightning), Lisa Cockburn (Darlington Mowden Park), Siobhan Cattigan (Stirling County), Mairi Forsyth (Corstorphine Cougars), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough Lightning), Rachel McLachlan (Darlington Mowden Park), Louise McMillan (Hillhead Jordanhill), Panashe Muzambe (Watsonians/Edinburgh University), Lana Skeldon (Darlington Mowden Park), Emma Wassell (Corstorphine Cougars), Molly Wright (Watsonians).