Gallagher ends 363-day Test absence as Scotland name side to face Canada

Evie Gallagher will make her first Test start in 363 days when Scotland host Canada in the 2026 WXV Global Series, interim head coach Dave Butcher handing the Bristol Bears flanker an immediate recall to the starting XV. Gallagher’s last appearance in a Scotland shirt came against England in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-final, a match that ended Scotland’s tournament.

The 363-day absence was caused by a hamstring injury that ruled Gallagher out of Scotland’s entire Women’s Six Nations campaign, in which the side finished fifth. She slots into a back row alongside captain Rachel Malcolm — herself returning after missing a chunk of the Six Nations through injury — and No.8 Becky Boyd.

In the forwards, Hollie Cunningham partners Emma Wassell in the second row, while a front row of Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon and Elliann Clarke provides the platform. Scrum-half Rhea Clarke earns her first Scotland start on her fifth cap, partnering vice-captain Helen Nelson at fly-half.

In the backs, Meryl Smith starts at inside centre alongside Rachel Philipps, with Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd and Shona Campbell forming the back three.

Off the bench, uncapped duo Ceitidh Ainsworth and Katie Buchanan are in line for their Scotland debuts. Adelle Ferrie is also named among the replacements after joining the squad as injury cover for the absent Alex Stewart.

Scotland match day 23 squad v Canada

15. Chloe Rollie (Edinburgh Rugby, 86 caps) 14. Rhona Lloyd (Sale Sharks, 66) 13. Rachel Philipps (Edinburgh Rugby, 4) 12. Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears, 27) 11. Shona Campbell (Sale Sharks, 14) 10. Helen Nelson — Vice-captain (Trailfinders Women, 80) 9. Rhea Clarke (Glasgow Warriors, 4) 1. Leah Bartlett (Sale Sharks, 54) 2. Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears, 87) 3. Elliann Clarke (Glasgow Warriors, 29) 4. Emma Wassell (Trailfinders Women, 78) 5. Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears, 7) 6. Rachel Malcolm — Captain (Trailfinders Women, 64) 7. Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears, 40) 8. Becky Boyd (Glasgow Warriors, 6)

Replacements: 16. Aicha Sutcliffe (Glasgow Warriors, 2) 17. Anne Young (Glasgow Warriors, 22) 18. Molly Poolman (Edinburgh Rugby, 12) 19. Eva Donaldson (Sale Sharks, 26) 20. Adelle Ferrie (Edinburgh Rugby, 7) 21. Ceitidh Ainsworth (Glasgow Warriors, uncapped) 22. Hannah Ramsay (Edinburgh Rugby, 2) 23. Katie Buchanan (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)