Scotland make two changes for World Cup quarter-final clash with England

Coach Bryan Easson has made two changes to Scotland’s starting side ahead of this weekend’s showdown with England in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.

Following last weekend’s 40-19 loss to Canada in the final round of pool play, Scotland have set their sights on a familiar Six Nations rival. England boasts an incredible winning streak, and the hosts are widely considered favourites for World Cup glory.

Scotland have named a strong side for this clash, with a couple of changes to the First XV. Jade Konkel has been named at No. 8 for the first time in this World Cup, while Evie Gallagher shifts to openside flanker after an impressive series of performances.

Bok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi on last RWC

Bok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi on last RWC

Rachel McLachlan was named in the run-on side last weekend, but the Montpellier backrower shifts to the bench. Rachel Malcolm rounds out the loose forwards trio at blindside flanker, with the captain set to lead the national team for a 53rd time – a record across all Scotland sides.

Christine Belisle comes into the starting XV at tighthead prop, with Lisa Cockburn ruled out of the quarter-final. Leah Bartlett and Lana Skeldon complete the front row, while Emma Wassell and Sarah Bonar have retained their spots in the second row.

Easson has picked an unchanged backline, with Leia Brebner-Holden partnering 74-Test fly-half Helen Nelson in the halves. Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr have been selected in the midfield, having starred throughout the tournament to date.

Francesa McGhie and Rhona Lloyd were among Scotland’s standouts during the opening three weeks of the World Cup, and the two have been named on the wings. Chloe Rollie is the final name in the starting side, named at fullback.

This match at Bristol’s Ashton Gate will kick off at 4:00pm on Sunday.

Tickets are still available.

Scotland team to take on England at 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

15. Chloe Rollie – Toulon Provence Mediterranee (80)

14. Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks – Sale Sharks (61)

13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (33)

12. Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (74)

11. Francesca McGhie – Trailfinders Women (25)

10. Helen Nelson – vice-captain – Loughborough Lightning (74)

9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (14)

1. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (48)

2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (83)

3. Christine Belisle – Loughborough Lightning (41)

4. Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (72)

5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (50)

6. Rachel Malcolm – captain – Trailfinders Women (61)

7. Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (40)

8. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (73)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (25)

17. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (22)

18. Molly Poolman – Watsonian FC/Edinburgh Rugby (6)

19. Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (20)

20. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (56)

21. Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (16)

22. Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (36)

23. Evie Wills – Sale Sharks (7)