Scotland have announced a squad of 26 to participate in this
year's Women's Rugby World Cup, to be held in England from
20 August to 5 September.
The squad is a mix of experienced campaigners, including
Scotland's most capped rugby player Donna Kennedy (110 caps),
and relatively new faces.
"There was a lot of debate and much time taken to make
sure we got the squad right," said Scotland head coach, Gary
Parker.
"One or two new players have earned selection, adding to
the already intense competition for places.
"We were really keen for versatility behind the scrum -
when you're limited to a small squad you're looking for
those who can play two or three positions."
Following this season's Six Nations fixtures and two test
matches against South Africa earlier this month, Parker has been
happy with progress and the increased strength in depth.
"Katy Green, for example, played really well against
South Africa, she's been training very hard and I'm full of
admiration for her work ethic," Parker added. "And Suzi
Newton is back after a long term injury, she's a quality
international player."
As final preparation for the World Cup, Scotland Women take
on Ireland in a non-cap encounter on Sunday 18 July at Lasswade.
They can then turn their attentions to the tournament proper and
pool encounters against France, Sweden and Canada.
"It's going to be a huge ask against these teams
with France and Canada in the top six in the world.
"We may have beaten France earlier this year but that
means nothing now. In my playing days I was fortunate to be part of
an Under 19 side that beat France, three months later we played
them in the World Cup and lost 69-0. What happened in February
doesn't mean a thing!"
Scotland Women Rugby World Cup squad: Alison
Macdonald (RHC Cougars), Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers),
Celia Hawthorn (Edinburgh University), Donna Kennedy (Worcester),
Erin Kerr (London Wasps), Gillian McCord (RHC Cougars), Heather
Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill), Katy Green (Murrayfield Wanderers),
Keri Holdsworth (Watsonians), Lindsay Wheeler (Darlington Mowden
Sharks), Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars), Louise Moffat (Murrayfield
Wanderers), Lucy Millard (Team Northumbria), Lynne Reid (RHC
Cougars), Lynsey Douglas (London Wasps), Nicola Halfpenny
(Melrose), Rosalind Murphy (Edinburgh University), Ruth Slaven
(Murrayfield Wanderers), Sarah Gill (Murrayfield Wanderers),
Sarah-Louise Walker (Watsonians), Stephanie Johnston (Hillhead
Jordanhill), Susannah Brown (Richmond), Suzi Newton (Team
Northumbria), Tess Forsberg (Murrayfield Wanderers), Tanya Griffith
(RHC Cougars), Veronica Fitzpatrick (RHC Cougars)
