5 Stars to Watch: Scotland squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

Scotland have also thrown some impressive WXV outings into the mix, with wins recorded over the likes of South Africa, Japan, Italy and the USA in recent iterations of the newly-minted tournament. Whilst the Scots may not be a front-runner for the Women's World Cup trophy, the tartan titans lead a chasing pack of dark horses who are out to upset the odds across England.

RUCK recently put together a predictions piece for England's Women's Rugby World Cup campaign, in which we expect the Red Roses to come up against Scotland at the quarter-final stage. The battlers from North of the border have been drawn into Pool B, with hotly anticipated match-ups coming up against Wales, Fiji and 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup finalists Canada.

Before we get stuck in to our picks for the Scotland players to watch for the Women's Rugby World Cup, there is a unique milestone being made in Easson's squad. Elliann and Rhea Clarke are the first sisters to both be selected for the Scotland squad for a World Cup, with the tight-head prop and scrum half out to make history as they share the pitch across the coming weeks.

Few players embody the heart and resilience of Scotland Women quite like their captain Rachel Malcolm. With 56 caps to her name, the 33-year-old back row has been at the forefront of her nation’s resurgence, combining relentless defensive work, smart leadership, and an unshakable competitive spirit.

Born in Glasgow, Malcolm’s sporting roots run deep. Her father, Walter, played district rugby, while brothers Donald and James have also represented Scotland at various levels. Initially, her own path led to hockey – representing Scotland at U17, U18 and U21, before a casual game of touch rugby in Nottingham revealed her natural feel for the oval ball. That spark quickly turned into a professional passion, leading her to Lichfield Ladies in 2015, and later to Loughborough Lightning, where she became captain in the Premier 15s’ inaugural season.

Her international debut came in 2016 during a Rugby World Cup qualifier against Spain, with her first Scotland start arriving in the 2017 Six Nations against Ireland. Early in her career she juggled multiple positions, even starting as a hooker, but it was in the back row – particularly at blindside flanker – where she made her mark. Malcolm’s defensive organisation and tireless breakdown work quickly became the heartbeat of Scotland’s pack.

Appointed national team captain ahead of the 2020 Six Nations, Malcolm has led Scotland through landmark moments, including their historic summer tour to South Africa and a gritty draw with France in 2020. Her leadership was further cemented at the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, and in 2024 she reached the milestone of 50 caps in a WXV2 victory over Italy.

Off the pitch, Malcolm is as impressive as she is between the white lines. A dedicated academic, she holds a PhD in environmental physiology from Nottingham Trent University, where she also lectures in applied sport science. Her ability to balance elite sport, academia, and leadership is testament to her discipline and drive. Now preparing for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, Malcolm’s combination of experience, tactical nous, and inspirational presence make her a cornerstone of Scotland’s campaign and one of the players every fan should keep their eyes on.

The tireless engine of Scotland’s forward pack, Lana Skeldon heads into the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup as the squad’s most experienced player, boasting a remarkable 81 caps. The 31-year-old from Hawick has been a cornerstone of the national side for over a decade, combining power in the scrum with an eye for the try-line, as Skeldon is the top try-scoring hooker in Scotland Women's history (20 tries).

Rugby has been part of Skeldon’s life since before she could even tie her boots. Her mother, Annie, played for Hawick Ladies, and a four-year-old Lana could often be found on the touchline at Mansfield Park. She came through the Borders’ age-grade system, winning three Scottish Schools Cups with Gala Girls before going on to represent Scotland at U15, U16, U18, and U20 levels. Initially a back-row player, a switch to hooker proved to be the turning point in her career, unlocking the set-piece skills that would make her an international mainstay.

She made her Scotland debut in 2011 against the Netherlands, but it wasn’t until 2014 that she truly established herself in the squad. Since then, Skeldon has featured in 10 Six Nations campaigns, two WXV tournaments, and the 2021 Rugby World Cup. She has also captained the pack in landmark victories, including the 2017 win over Wales at Broadwood – a match she still calls her proudest moment.

Her club career has been just as varied, with spells at Watsonians, DMP Sharks, and Worcester Warriors all coming before Skeldon signed with Bristol Bears in 2024. A skilled kicker as well as a fierce ball-carrier, Skeldon’s versatility often surprises opposition sides, while her relentless work ethic sets the tone for Scotland’s physical style of play.

Off the field, Skeldon’s journey reflects her grounded Borders roots. Before securing a professional contract in 2021, she worked in Hawick’s famous textile industry and studied sports fitness and coaching with the Open University. She’s also a vocal advocate for women’s rugby, regularly speaking out to inspire the next generation. As Scotland target a strong World Cup run, Skeldon’s blend of experience, leadership, and attacking threat makes her a vital cog in the machine – and one of the most dangerous hookers on the global stage.

The only uncapped player in Scotland’s Women’s Rugby World Cup squad, Hannah Walker arrives on the global stage with the kind of form and confidence that could see her make an instant impact. At just 20 years old, the pacey back-three star has already built a reputation as a lethal finisher, topping the try-scoring charts in the 2024/25 Celtic Challenge with an 11 tries.

Born in 2004, Walker’s rugby journey began at the Community School of Auchterarder, where she played for four years before progressing through Tayside & Fife and Stirling County. Her talent was clear early on, and in 2021 she helped Stirling County secure the U18 National Cup. A year later, she joined the University of Edinburgh, further developing her skills in one of the country’s top rugby programmes.

Interestingly, Walker’s first rugby position was scrum-half, but a switch to the wing unlocked her devastating combination of speed, agility, and finishing instinct. Her breakthrough at senior level came in the 2023/24 Celtic Challenge with Edinburgh Rugby, where she made five appearances. By the following season, she had been named vice-captain and became a key figure for the capital city side. Walker's performances earned her a call-up to the Scotland Women’s squad for the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations training camp, putting her on the fast track to international honours.

Before rugby, Walker excelled in netball, representing the Scottish Regional Academy at 15 and 16 before joining the Sirens Academy at 17. This multi-sport background has given her exceptional footwork and spatial awareness – traits that translate perfectly to her scorching runs along the touchlines. Walker also took on a leadership role at the 2024 U20 Six Nations Summer Series, co-captaining the 30-strong squad alongside her Edinburgh teammate Poppy Fletcher.

Her 2024/25 season was nothing short of exceptional. In addition to finishing as the Celtic Challenge’s top try-scorer, Walker was named Edinburgh Women’s Player of the Season. The flyer also earned a place in the Women’s BUCS Super Rugby Team of the Season for her performances with the University of Edinburgh. With her blend of pace, finishing ability, and leadership potential, Hannah Walker may be the squad’s newest face, but the bolter could well be one of the breakout stars in the tournament.

An honourable mention must also go to her fellow back-three teammate Chloe Rollie. The experienced fullback with 51 caps, Rollie remains a standout player in her own right and a constant attacking threat.

One of Scotland’s most influential playmakers, Helen Nelson has been at the core of the national side for nearly a decade. Helson has racked up 71 caps and 223 points, with her legacy cemented among Scotland Women's top 10 most-capped players of all time.

Born in Inverness, Nelson’s sporting pedigree is as diverse as it is impressive. Before rugby took centre stage, she was part of the Scottish Alpine Ski Team from 2009 to 2012, played shinty in Ballachulish, and represented her university in football. Her rugby journey began at just six years old with Lochaber RFC, but it was during her time at the University of Edinburgh where her career truly took flight. Nelson played for the university side and helped Murrayfield Wanderers to a league and cup double in 2016/17. That same season brought her Scotland debut in the Six Nations against France.

A natural leader with a calm head under pressure, Nelson’s defining moment came in the 2018 Six Nations when she scored a try and a penalty to guide Scotland to their first away win over Ireland. Later that year, she became one of the first eight women to receive a professional contract from Scottish Rugby, paving the way for a stint in France with Montpellier, before then joining Loughborough Lightning in the Premier 15s, where she has been a mainstay for the past five seasons.

Comfortable at both fly-half and inside centre, Nelson’s vision, tactical kicking, and ability to read the game make her central to Scotland’s attacking structure. She has captained her country on several occasions, including a memorable 27-20 Six Nations win over Wales in 2021, and led the Scotland Sevens team from 2018 to 2019. Her international experience spans multiple Six Nations campaigns, the 2021 Rugby World Cup, and WXV2 competitions, where she has consistently been a key decision-maker.

Rugby runs in Nelson's family, as her aunt, Clare Hoppe, played for Ireland in their first ever women’s international against Scotland in 1993, and Nelson has continued that legacy with distinction. As Scotland head into the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, her blend of experience, creativity, and composure will be crucial if the team are to make an impact on the biggest stage.

A trailblazer for Scottish women’s rugby, Jade Konkel has been one of the national side’s most powerful and consistent performers since making her debut in 2013. Raised on the Black Isle in a rugby-loving family, Konkel’s early sporting life was as varied as it was impressive.

From winning gold in shot put and discus for the Army Cadets, to playing national league basketball for the Highland Bears, Konkel has even earned a black belt in Goshin-Ryu Kempo. With limited girls’ rugby opportunities in her area, she made long trips to Edinburgh as a teenager to develop her game, earning selection for Scotland U20s before stepping up to the senior side at just 18.

Her first international points came in 2015 against Italy, with standout tries following in later Six Nations campaigns against Ireland, Wales, and England. In 2016, at just 22, Konkel made history as Scotland’s first-ever contracted professional women’s player, in a landmark moment for the sport in the country. A year later, Konkel joined top French side Lille Metropole RC Villeneuvois before moving to Harlequins in 2018, where the back row won the 2021 Premier 15s title and now captains the club.

Known for her relentless ball-carrying and physical presence, Konkel’s stats speak volumes. In the opening two rounds of the 2020 Six Nations, she carried 55 times, more than 20 ahead of the next highest player. A veteran of multiple Six Nations tournaments, the Rugby World Cup, and WXV competitions, Konkel reached her 50th cap in 2022 against England and now sits on 71 caps with 10 tries for Scotland.

Off the pitch, she is a fully qualified London firefighter, personal trainer, and rugby coach, in what is a testament to her leadership and commitment as a whole. With Harlequins, she has brought the same determination that defines her international game, and her leadership will be vital as Scotland prepare for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.