Netherlands rout Scotland A 33-0 as departing coach Gilbert names WXV Challenger squad

The Netherlands women’s team signed off their home schedule with a commanding 33-0 victory over Scotland A in Amsterdam last Saturday, before head coach Gareth Gilbert named his 28-player squad for the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong.

Linde van der Velden crossed for a brace, with Mariet Luijken and Esmee Ligtvoet also touching down as the Oranje Dames XV shut out a Scotland A side coached by Claire Cruikshank. The result provided a confident send-off ahead of the tournament at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, where the Netherlands will face Samoa, Brazil and Fiji on consecutive weekends.

The win was also a farewell on home soil for Gilbert, who will leave for South Africa after the Challenger having spent 15 years with Rugby Nederland in roles spanning playing, coaching and administration.

“I am eternally grateful to Rugby Netherlands for all the opportunities I’ve been given,” Gilbert said ahead of the Scotland A fixture. “I’ve had the privilege of working with incredibly driven people at every level of the development pathway. The fact that I now have the chance to take the next step in South Africa doesn’t change how much this country and this sport mean to me. The Netherlands will always hold a special place in my heart.”

The squad Gilbert has selected is a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. In the forwards, Van der Velden is joined by the likes of Julia Morauw, Nicky Dix, Lynn Koelman and Elizabeth Shermer, while the backs include Ligtvoet, Luijken, Pleuni Kievit and Puck van den Akker.

The Netherlands open their Challenger campaign against Samoa on 13 September, before taking on Brazil on 19 September and closing out against Fiji on 26 September.