Scotland's Francesca McGhie nominated for World Rugby breakthrough player award

Scotland winger Francesca McGhie said her nomination for World Rugby Women's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year came as a "brilliant surprise".

She is up against France fly-half Carla Arbez and New Zealand wingers Mererangi Paul and Katelyn Vaha'akolo.

The Leicester Tigers 20-year-old has started every game for her country since making her debut against England during this season's Six Nations.

McGhie also scored tries against Ireland, Spain and United States.

The award winner will be announced following the conclusion of the new WXV1 competition this Saturday.

McGhie has just helped Scotland win the WXV2 competition in Cape Town, thanks to bonus-point victories over South Africa, USA and Japan.

"I couldn't be more honoured," McGhie told BBC Scotland. "It's a brilliant surprise and I'm enjoying every moment."

McGhie trained as a dancer and only took up rugby five years ago, earning a move to Leicester from Watsonians this summer.

"I wasn't expecting a call up to the Six Nations," she said. "I thought that was on the cards in a few years' time.

"Playing in that tournament was such an incredible experience and since then it's just been a whirlwind.

"South Africa was such an amazing tour and I'm super proud to have been part of winning the WXV2. It's something we'll never forget as a squad."

Of her change of career, she explained: "People might not think dance and rugby have much in common but there are so many transferable skills - even just being in an elite environment, that's something I've always been in and enjoyed.

"Dance has a lot of speed and stamina."

And McGhie is not looking too far ahead, adding: "Pulling on the Scotland jersey is a dream in itself and it's just about being selected for the next game. That's where my head's at."