Clarke sisters named in Scotland’s Six Nations squad

Rhea Clarke and sister Elliann have been selected for Scotland’s Women’s Six Nations training squad.

In the 34-strong extended party led by head coach Bryan Easson, the University of Edinburgh scrum-half is one of nine uncapped players.

Rhea will hope to emulate her 24-year-old sibling, with Bristol Bears forward Elliann already accumulating 15 caps.

They are joined in the squad by uncapped Edinburgh team-mates Aila Ronald, Hannah Walker, Adelle Ferrie, Molly Poolman, along with four debutants from the English Premiership – Loughborough Lightning’s Becky Boyd, Sale Sharks ‘ Rachel Philipps and Bristol Bears duo Hollie Cunningham and Meg Varley.

Prior to the October WXV 2 event in South Africa, Centre Philipps was a member of the squad.

Due to injury, Bristol’s Meryl Smith, Loughborough lock Emma Wassell, and Saracens center Coreen Grant are currently unavailable.

Louise McMillan, Fi McIntosh and Mairi McDonald have been omitted.

Alongside the selected 34 players, Scotland Under-20 and Celtic Challenge players Holland Bogan, Emily Coubrough, Poppy Mellanby (all Glasgow Warriors), Talei Tawake, Natasha Logan and Hannah Ramsay (all Edinburgh) will be invited into camp as day trainers to support their development.

Scotland travel to La Rochelle on Saturday, 22 March, to take on France in their opening game of the campaign.

Six days later, they will host England in Leicester before welcoming Italy to Edinburgh on Sunday, April 13th.

Forwards: Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Becky Boyd (Loughborough Lightning), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears), Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears), Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears), Adelle Ferrie (Edinburgh/Corstorphine Cougars), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm, captain (Loughborough Lightning), Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning), Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier), Aila Ronald (Edinburgh/University of Edinburgh), Molly Poolman (Edinburgh/University of Edinburgh), Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears), Alex Stewart (Edinburgh/Corstorphine Cougars), Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning), Molly Wright (Sale Sharks).