Seven selected for Scotland

19 Feb 2024

Seven of Edinburgh's Celtic Challenge side have been selected for Scotland's extended training squad for the 2024 Women's Six Nations.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Edinburgh's Alex Stewart celebrates at full time during a Celtic Challenge match Edinburgh Rugby Women and Clovers at Hive Stadium, on February 03, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Scotland Head Coach Bryan Easson has included the Edinburgh stars in his initial extended squad, which will be reduced closer to the start of the tournament.

In the pack, Corstorphine Cougars back-row duo of Merryn Gunderson and Edinburgh vice-captain Alex Stewart are selected, having both made 23 tackles each in an impressive display against the Wolfhounds.

Edinburgh’s top scorers winger Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh) and centre Emma Orr are both included, each grabbing five tries in the Celtic Challenge. Orr, Scotland Women’s Player of the Year for 2023, is the only previously capped player included from the Edinburgh squad.

Both flyers are joined in the squad by 18-year-old back-three player Nicole Flynn, who has impressed with dynamic displays on the capital’s right wing.

In addition to the core squad members included, transitional players Fiona McIntosh (Saracens, lock) and Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester-Hartpury, scrum-half) are both called up, having made significant contributions for Edinburgh.

In the wider squad, established internationals Caity Mattinson, Lisa Thomson and Rhona Lloyd are all selected – all three of whom have featured for Edinburgh during the Celtic Challenge.