Scotland shuffle starting XV ahead of Black Ferns visit

Scotland interim head coach Dave butcher has made four changes to his starting XV to face the Black Ferns this weekend in Edinburgh.

This includes a first Scotland start for scrum-half Ceitidh Ainsworth, who made her debut from the bench a week ago in the Scots’ WXV Global Series loss to Canada at Hive Stadium.

Eva Donaldson is named in the back-row ahead of Becky Boyd. As part of this alteration, Evie Gallagher moves to No.8. Rachel Malcolm retains the captaincy in the back-row.

Holland Bogan is introduced at lock forward, where she will partner Emma Wassell, and Anne Young is named starting loosehead prop. She trades places with Leah Bartlett.

The rest of Butchers squad is unchanged. This includes the midfield partnership of Meryl Smith and Rachel Philipps and a back three comprised of Shona Campbell, Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie.

Among the replacements there is a Test match return for Sarah Bonar. The forward was last seen in a Scotland shirt at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 before she endured an injury riddled season.

2026 WXV Global Series | Scotland match day 23 v Black Ferns

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

Replacements
16. Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors (3)
17. Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (55)
18. Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby (13)
19. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (51)
20. Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby (8)
21. Rhea Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (5)
22. Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby (3)
23. Katie Buchanan – Exeter Chiefs (1)