4 February 2010

This Saturday (6 February), Scotland Women take on their French counterparts in the opening match of the Six Nations Championship at Lasswade Rugby Club, kick off 7.30pm.

Lasswade will also play host to a match between Scotland A Women and France A Women kicking-off at the earlier time of 6pm.

The double-header marks the competitive debut of former Scotland Club International coach, Gary Parker, as he takes over the reins of the Scotland Women's side.

Parker said: "I will experience many emotions come Saturday's match: anticipation, apprehension and excitement, and it will be the same for the players.

"However, in a short space of time we have put a huge amount of effort into training and everyone has bought into the changes I have introduced to our style of play.

"There will be a lot of questions asked and answered on Saturday and I am looking forward to seeing how the girls respond at the highest level."

Scotland Women have faced many challenges over the last two Six Nations Championships however, having qualified for the 2010 World Cup in August they will have to learn to adapt to new pressures.

In a bid to achieve success, Parker recognises the benefit of competition for places in the women's game. In the lead up to the Six Nations he has been holding international club sessions at Murrayfield on Tuesday nights.

"The sessions are aimed at getting as many people involved at the top level of the sport. Any women playing rugby in Scotland should know they have the opportunity to represent their country."

Parker understands the benefits of the double-header in showcasing Scottish talent across all levels of the women's game:

He said: "It's important to let those privileged enough to be in the full International side know there is competition from below.

"Last Saturday the victorious A Team we fielded against the British Army included three full international players and six debutants, and the standard on show this week is equally impressive; we are constantly striving to grow the game."

Like ALL Scottish Rugby youth, age-grade and Scotland Women matches, admission to Scotland under-20 v France under-20 in Inverness on Friday 5 February (kick-off 7.30pm) is FREE - no need for a ticket, just turn up and take your seat!

Scotland Women to face France Women at Lasswade (kick-off 7.30pm)

15 Celia Hawthorn (Edinburgh University)

14 Victoria Blakebrough (Richmond)
13 Lucy Millard (Team Northumbria)
12 Erin Kerr (London Wasps)
11 Veronica Fitzpatrick (RHC Cougars)

10 Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars)
9 Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars)

1 Heather Lockhart (Hillhead / Jordanhill)
2 Sarah-Louise Walker (Watsonians)
3 Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers)
4 Lindsey Wheeler (Team Northumbria)
5 Louise Moffat (Murrayfield Wanderers)
6 Lynne Reid (RHC Cougars)
8 Susie Brown (Richmond)
7 Donna Kennedy (Worcester)

Substitutes: 
16 Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers)
17 Rosalind Murphy (Edinburgh University)
18 Gillian McCord (RHC Cougars)
19 Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers)
20 Sarah Gill (Murrayfield Wanderers)
21 Lynsey Douglas (London Wasps)
22 Cara D'Silva (RHC Cougars)

Scotland A Women team to face France A Women at Lasswade (kick-off 6pm)

15 Julie Sanaghan (Kirkcaldy)

14 Christina Ovenden (Richmond)
13 Steph Johnston (Hillhead / Jordanhill)
12 Laura Steven (Murrayfield Wanderers)
11 Katy Green (Murrayfield Wanderers)

10 Nicola Halfpenny (Melrose)
9 Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers)

1 Louise Gray (Henley)
2 Nikki McLeod (Edinburgh University)
3 Mairi Forsyth (Grangemouth)
4 Anna Swan (Edinburgh University)
5 Natalya Macholla (Stirling County)
6 Jemma Forsyth (Grangemouth)
8 Keri Holdsworth (Watsonians)
7 Tess Forsberg (Murrayfield Wanderers)

Substitutes: 
16 Lindsay Smith (Hillhead / Jordanhill)
17 Alison Macdonald (RHC)
18 Kelly Mitchell (Murrayfield Wanderers)
19 Jenny Johnston (Hillhead / Jordanhill)
20 Claire Bain (RHC)
21 Annabel Sergeant (Dundee University)
22 Sarah Dixon (Watsonians)

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NOTES TO EDITORS

SCOTLAND WOMEN 6 NATIONS SCHEDULE
Saturday 6 February Scotland Women v France Women (Lasswade, kick-off 7.30pm)
Sunday 14 February Wales Women v Scotland Women (Bridgend, kick-off 2pm)
Sunday 28 February Italy Women v Scotland Women (Colleferro, nr Rome, kick-off 1.30pm GMT)
Saturday 13 March Scotland Women v England Women (Meggetland, kick-off 1.30pm)
Friday 19 March Ireland Women v Scotland Women (Ashbourne, Co Meath, kick-off 7.30pm)