Scotland name 32-player squad for two-Test tour of Australia amid search for form

Interim head coach Dave Butcher has named a 32-player Scotland squad for a two-Test tour of Australia, with matches scheduled at Accor Stadium in Sydney on 17 October and GIO Stadium in Canberra on 23 October.

The announcement comes after a difficult October for Scotland, who failed to win any of their three Tests that month. Heavy defeats to Canada and the Black Ferns were followed by a 30-10 loss to Australia in Edinburgh, leaving the side searching for only their second victory of the calendar year as they head into the WXV Global Series 2026 fixtures.

Two notable absentees are Emma Wassell and Alex Stewart, both of whom sustained campaign-ending injuries and miss the tour entirely. Rachel Philipps returns to the squad having come through concussion protocols, while Lucia Scott is also back after an injury ruled her out of the September Tests.

Recently capped pair Ceitidh Ainsworth and Katie Buchanan retain their places, and Glasgow Warriors duo Imogen Spence and Nicole Flynn are the only uncapped players in the travelling party.

Rachel Malcolm, who has 67 caps to her name, continues as captain. She will be supported by experienced backs including Helen Nelson (83 caps), Chloe Rollie (89 caps), and Rhona Lloyd (69 caps), giving the squad a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent.

The forward pack is anchored by Lana Skeldon of Bristol Bears, who brings 90 caps of experience, alongside Rachel McLachlan (60 caps, Montpellier) and Sarah Bonar (53 caps, Harlequins).

Scotland touring squad for Australia — WXV Global Series 2026

Forwards: Leah Bartlett (Sale Sharks, 57 caps), Holland Bogan (Glasgow Warriors, 7), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins, 53), Becky Boyd (Glasgow Warriors, 7), Elliann Clarke (Glasgow Warriors, 32), Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears, 9), Eva Donaldson (Sale Sharks, 29), Adelle Ferrie (Edinburgh Rugby, 9), Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears, 45), Rachel Malcolm (Trailfinders Women, 67, captain), Elis Martin (Edinburgh Rugby, 30), Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier, 60), Molly Poolman (Edinburgh Rugby, 15), Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears, 90), Imogen Spence (Glasgow Warriors, uncapped), Aicha Sutcliffe (Glasgow Warriors, 5), Demi Swann (Exeter Chiefs, 5), Anne Young (Glasgow Warriors, 26).

Backs: Ceitidh Ainsworth (Glasgow Warriors, 3), Leia Brebner-Holden (Edinburgh Rugby, 21), Katie Buchanan (Exeter Chiefs, 3), Shona Campbell (Sale Sharks, 17), Rhea Clarke (Glasgow Warriors, 6), Nicole Flynn (Glasgow Warriors, uncapped), Rhona Lloyd (Sale Sharks, 69), Helen Nelson (Trailfinders Women, 83), Rachel Philipps (Edinburgh Rugby, 6), Hannah Ramsay (Edinburgh Rugby, 5), Chloe Rollie (Edinburgh Rugby, 89), Lucia Scott (Glasgow Warriors, 12), Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears, 30), Evie Wills (Glasgow Warriors, 11).