Skeldon fit for Scotland’s World Cup opener against Wales

Women’s Rugby World Cup: Scotland v Wales

Lana Skeldon has been passed fit for Scotland’s opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against Wales on Saturday at Salford City Stadium.

The 31-year-old hooker has recovered from the ankle injury she suffered in Scotland’s final warm-up match against Ireland three weeks ago.

Her World Cup participation had been in doubt but the most capped player in Scotland’s 32-player squad starts in the front row between props Leah Bartlett and Elliann Clarke.

Sarah Bonar returns to the starting line-up to partner Emma Wassell in the second row while captain Rachel Malcolm is joined in the back row by openside Rachel McLachlan and number eight Evie Gallagher, who will make her Rugby World Cup debut.

Scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden is also poised for her first appearance in the tournament and will form the half-back pairing with fly-half Helen Nelson, while centres Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr continue their midfield partnership.

Full-back Chloe Rollie will line up between wingers Rhona Lloyd and another World Cup debutant, Francesca McGhie, in the Pool B game against a side with whom Scotland have a fierce rivalry.

Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden, Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm, Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher.