21 Scotland World Cup players given contracts

Twenty-one members of Scotland’s Women’s Rugby World Cup squad, including captain Rachel Malcolm, are among 35 players given contracts by Scottish Rugby.

The senior internationals who helped Scotland reach the World Cup quarter-finals and receive one-year deals include Bristol Bears’ Elliann Clarke, Evie Gallagher, Emma Orr and Lana Skeldon plus Trailfinders’ Malcolm, Francesca McGhie, Lisa Thomson and Emma Wassell.

And Scottish-based internationals Adelle Ferrie, Molly Poolman, Hannah Ramsay and Alex Stewart as well as uncapped Hannah Walker receive contracts too.

Bristol’s Meryl Smith, who was not part of the World Cup squad, is also given a full deal.

Malcolm had said uncertainty over players’ futures had been “very disruptive” before the World Cup.

Having reached the last eight for the first time since 2002, experienced trio Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel and Caity Mattinson announced their international retirement, with Konkel saying the team had reached the last eight “through no help of the SRU”.

Scotland women, who are without a head coach following Bryan Easson’s departure, are next scheduled to play in April and May’s Six Nations.

Beth Blacklock of Saracens, Loughborough pair Leah Bartlett and Becky Boyd, Bristol’s Rhea Clarke, Harlequins’ Coreen Grant and Sale trio Eve Donaldson, Evie Willis and Molly Wright were also part of Scotland’s World Cup squad.

However, that group of eight are not listed among the players getting new contracts from Scottish Rugby, nor is Loughborough’s Christine Belisle, who was in the initial World Cup squad but pulled out injured after the second pool match.

And the union explained: “This means players, regardless of whether they are supported by Scottish Rugby or not, are paid for the time in camp preparing for Test matches – and match fees if selected to play.”

Performance director David Nucifora commented: “Performance is all about decision making and the process to identify players for support reflects that. These decisions are made carefully and with the future in mind.

“The door remains open for Scotland selection; contracts are just one part of the picture.”

Other Scottish-based players given new contracts include Holland Bogan, Emily Coubrough, Nicole Flynn, Merryn Gunderson, Emily Norval and Aila Ronald.

Meanwhile, Ceitidh Ainsworth, Poppy Fletcher, Megan Hyland, Poppy Mellanby, Sky Phimister, Imogen Spence and Talei Tawake are listed as being on “development” support.

The Scottish-based players with contracts are connected to club sides and the women’s teams of Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

Managing director of women’s rugby Gemma Fay said: “Securing the financial commitment to expand the number of supported players is a clear sign of Scottish Rugby’s belief in the potential of this group and the future of the game, particularly as we begin a new Rugby World Cup cycle.

“We’re focused on creating the right environments locally in Scotland where players can train, play and recover at a high level.”

Nucifora added: “It’s important that we make a prompt and purposeful start to the new Rugby World Cup programme.

“These one-year contracts allow us to give younger players the opportunity to grow, as well as flexibility as the women’s game evolves.

“The Celtic Challenge will be a key part of that and we’re now focused on putting the right people and structures in place to ensure both teams can perform and develop successfully.”