by The program, which is carried out in collaboration with sportScotland, the national sports agency in Scotland, provides extended support to develop players’ technical and tactical performance, enabling them to access performance lifestyle coaching, strength and conditioning training and medical support.
Alex Stewart, selected for Scotland Women in the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, is among those taking part in the programme.
In addition to the young back row, there are 18 players recently named for Scotland Women’s U20 in the Six Nations Summer Series. These include Aila Ronald, Merryn Gunderson, Holland Bogan, Natasha Logan and Nicole Flynn, all of whom have featured in both the Celtic Challenge and senior teams throughout 2024.
A further level of support will be offered to 54 U16 and U18 players, giving them access to additional development opportunities through the Vodafone Regional Training Centers (RTCs), first established in July 2023.
The RTCs are supported by Vodafone, the lead partner of Scottish Rugby’s Women’s Pathway, and will support the growth of women’s football in Scotland by helping to develop a clear talent pipeline.
On the announcement, Robbie Lavery, Pathway Manager for Women and Girls in Scottish Rugby said: “It is vital to the growth of our national team and our age group teams that we continue to provide a base for emerging talent and provide the best possible platform to develop and refine their skills, whilst enabling them to gain a wider range of knowledge Acquire.” High-performance rugby.
“The structures we have in place now are starting to bear fruit and set new standards, which is evident in the way our Scottish teams have performed in the Celtic Challenge, for example, and in the number of young players being welcomed .” the senior training environment.”
Speaking about her experiences from her first job at the regional training centers and now at the academy, Scotland Women’s U20 Cap, Nicole Flynn said: “I chose this path early on in my rugby journey and believe it has been vital to my development as a player.
“The pathway has so far served as an important link in the development chain, enabling players like me to make a smoother transition to the next phase of my rugby career, be it promotion to the Women’s Premier League, the Celtic Challenge or the international stage.
“I’ve found that it’s really helpful to train with people I wouldn’t normally train with – including those I’ve played against. I think it helps foster a strong sense of community in Scottish women’s rugby.
“Our strength and conditioning facilities are excellent. We are fortunate to have S&C coaches whose experience and specific fitness programs help us meet the physical demands of the game. It’s satisfying to see how the work we put in in the gym translates into performance on the field, whether it’s leg drive during tackles or simply running faster.
“Following my injury, I was fortunate to have access to the first-class medical treatment that Scottish Rugby offers. My rehab plans have been tailored to me based on my injury and recovery period to ensure I can return to training fully fit.”
Scottish Rugby Women’s Academy players
Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars, U23)
Autumn MacDougal (Biggar, U18)
Bethan Mathison (Dunfermline, U18)
Cailin Lardner (Stirling County, U18)
Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County, U23)
Daisy Morrison (Stirling County, U18)
Eilidh Fleming (Stirling County, U20)
Ella Rae (Stirling County, U16)
Ellie Moffat (Watsonians RFC, U18)
Ellie Williamson (Stirling County, U23)
Emily Coubrough (University of Edinburgh, U18)
Emily Sansom (Stirling County, U18)
Erinn Foley (Hillhead Jordanhill, U23)
Gemma Thomson (Stirling County, U18)
Hannah Ramsay (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Holly McIntyre (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Holly Wilson (Biggar, U18)
Holland Bogan (Stirling County, U20)
Imogen Spence (Biggar, U18)
Josie Foubister (University of Edinburgh, U18)
Karis Craig (Watsonian FC, U20)
Layla Mitchell (Garioch, U18)
Lisa Brown (University of Edinburgh, U18)
Louise Taperell (West of Scotland, U20)
Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh, U20)
Lucy Ronald (Strathendrick, U18)
Megan Hyland (Garioch, U20)
Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars, U23)
Molly Poolman (Watsonian FC, U23)
Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh, U20)
Niamh Waters (Currie, U18)
Piper Burrows (Garioch, U18)
Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Poppy Mellanby (Biggar, U18)
Rebekah Douglas (Corstorphine Cougars, U20)
Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh, U23)
Rianna Darroch (Hillhead Jordanhill, U20)
Robyn Allan (Currie, U18)
Saba Alexander (Garioch RFC, U18)
Scarlett Haddow (Stirling County, U18)
Sky Phimister (Stirling County, U23)
Talei Tawake (Watsonian FC, U20)
