Scotland hand Ainsworth first start as Black Ferns arrive in Edinburgh

Scotland interim head coach Dave Butcher has made four changes to his starting XV for the WXV Global Series clash against the Black Ferns in Edinburgh, with scrum-half Ceitidh Ainsworth handed her first start just one week after coming off the bench on debut in the Scots’ loss to Canada at Hive Stadium.

Ainsworth’s promotion is the most eye-catching of the alterations, but Butcher has also reshaped his back row. Eva Donaldson comes in ahead of Becky Boyd, a move that pushes Evie Gallagher to number eight. Rachel Malcolm retains the captaincy in the loose forwards.

In the tight five, Holland Bogan is introduced at lock to partner Emma Wassell, while Anne Young takes the loosehead prop berth, swapping places with Leah Bartlett, who drops to the replacements bench.

The rest of the squad is unchanged. The midfield partnership of Meryl Smith and Rachel Philipps continues, and the back three of Shona Campbell, Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie — who brings up 87 caps — remains intact. Helen Nelson continues as vice-captain at fly-half.

Among the replacements, forward Sarah Bonar makes a Test return after last featuring for Scotland at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, having endured an injury-disrupted season since.

Scotland starting XV v Black Ferns

1. Chloe Rollie (Edinburgh Rugby, 87 caps)
2. Rhona Lloyd (Sale Sharks, 67)
3. Rachel Philipps (Edinburgh Rugby, 5)
4. Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears, 28)
5. Shona Campbell (Sale Sharks, 15)
6. Helen Nelson — Vice-captain (Trailfinders Women, 81)
7. Ceitidh Ainsworth (Glasgow Warriors, 1)
8. Anne Young (Glasgow Warriors, 24)
9. Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears, 88)
10. Elliann Clarke (Glasgow Warriors, 30)
11. Emma Wassell (Trailfinders Women, 79)
12. Holland Bogan (Glasgow Warriors, 5)
13. Rachel Malcolm — Captain (Trailfinders Women, 65)
14. Eva Donaldson (Sale Sharks, 27)
15. Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears, 43)

Replacements: 16. Aicha Sutcliffe, 17. Leah Bartlett, 18. Molly Poolman, 19. Sarah Bonar, 20. Adelle Ferrie, 21. Rhea Clarke, 22. Hannah Ramsay, 23. Katie Buchanan.