Scottish Rugby increases women's pro contracts by 12

Scottish Rugby has increased its number of professionally contracted women players by 12 to 47 for the 2026-27 season.

Of those, 35 will be based in Scotland, representing Edinburgh or Glasgow Warriors in the Celtic Challenge competition.

Last season, there were 18 supported players based in Scotland, alongside 14 emerging talent players, but operating through local amateur clubs.

Scotland head coach Sione Fukofuka to Scottish Rugby's website: "This model brings a clearer alignment between our domestic system and international programme, which is essential as we build towards the 2029 Rugby World Cup.

"It's a real positive to have more players training and playing in Scotland within a consistent high-performance environment, while still recognising the value that some gain from competing in the PWR [English Premiership] and in France.

"Having more of our international players based in Scotland also creates greater opportunities for shared learning, stronger connections across the squad and a more cohesive approach led by me and the coaching staff that can directly support success at national team level."

Non-Scotland based supported players

Leah Bartlett and Rhona Lloyd (Sale Sharks), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Evie Gallagher, Lana Skeldon and Meryl Smith (all Bristol Bears), Rachel Malcolm, Francesca McGhie, Lisa Thomson, Lisa Thomson and Emma Wassell (Trailfinders Women), Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier), Helen Nelson (unattached).

Players supported in Scotland

Glasgow Warriors: Gemma Bell, Holland Bogan, Becky Boyd, Elliann Clarke, Rhea Clarke, Rianna Darroch, Nicole Flynn, Fi McIntosh, Holly McIntyre, Lucia Scott, Evie Wills, Anne Young.

Edinburgh: Leia Brebner-Holden, Emily Coubrough, Coreen Grant, Coreen Grant, Merryn Gunderson, Elis Martin, Emma Orr, Rachel Philipps, Molly Poolman, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Aila Ronald, Alex Stewart, Hannah Walker.

Academy contracted players

Glasgow Warriors: Ceitidh Ainsworth, Poppy Fletcher, Megan Hyland, Poppy Mellanby, Imogen Spence, Aicha Sutcliffe.

Edinburgh: Bethan Mathieson, Cat Moody, Faye Sutherland, Talei Tawake.