Scottish Rugby

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson told BBC Sport: "What we said we wanted to do was to get to the knockout stages of a World Cup. We've done that.

"You don't quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals the first time you ever do it. We've learned from that and we have to use this as a stepping stone. It shouldn't be the end, it should be the start of something.

"We've shown everyone the talent we have, the talent pool that we have, the 23 on the pitch today, the 32 that we've got as well. This has to be a stepping stone and has to be something that pushes everybody forward.

"When you look at the players out there, everybody deserves something moving forward. The professionalism of this group is undoubted, the work they've put in since 2 June, they've shown the talent they have.

"Contracts for them would keep pushing us forward because quarter-finals of World Cups, that's something you want to keep looking for. It's a great experience to have, but you have to work hard for them. We want to keep doing it."

Image source, SNS

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm told BBC Sport: "I'm hugely disappointed with the outcome today, but overall when I reflect on the tournament, I'm immensely proud of how we've turned up, how we've taken steps forward - in terms of how we want to attack, defend, and where we want to take Scotland women.

"What we've seen in this tournament, more so than in any other, is a full squad performance. Every woman who has taken the field with a thistle on her chest has given their absolute all in this tournament.

"We're going to miss [Bryan Easson] hugely. On a personal level, Bryan and I have worked really closely for the majority of my captaincy so it's going to be a big transition for me and also all the girls. He's a brilliant people manager, he's always about putting the person first and he's done a great job of bringing this group together.

"Tyrone Holmes as well, our defence coach, who's completely transformed the way we play as a team over the last six years, is also not in contract after the World Cup. To lose someone of his calibre, and Bryan, is a big hurt to this squad, but we'll go and celebrate them.

On if she had a message to the SRU: "Just to listen. We know this game better than anyone, we're a part of this thing and we all want the same thing. We want to push Scotland women forward, we want to be a part of Scottish rugby, and we want to work together to compete with the likes of England. With the player voice incorporated in that, we can definitely move this sport and this team forward."

It wasn't to be for Scotland, as they suffered another heavy defeat to England to end their World Cup journey at the quarter-final stage.

It marks the end of Bryan Easson's reign as head coach, with Jade Konkel also stepping away from international rugby.

What did you make of the game? What have you made of the tournament?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Lisa Cockburn has become the second Scotland player to announce her retirement ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash with England.

The Scots are the heavy underdogs going into the game, which could end up being the final match for Konkel and head coach Bryan Easson, were they to lose.

Cockburn, 32, was not named in the squad to face the world's number one side after failing a head injury assessment (HIA) from the final pool match against Canada.

Unlike Konkel, the prop will also retire from club rugby and look to begin a career in coaching.

Cockburn made the first of 37 appearances for Scotland in 2018 and was part of the side that qualified for the delayed World Cup in 2022, although an ACL injury ruled her out of the competition itself.

She returned in time to lift the WXV2 trophy in South Africa in 2023, and featured in all three pool games at the 2025 World Cup.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Although Evie Gallagher does not have any memories of her late father, the Scotland star feels connected to him due to his passion for rugby.

Her dad, Paul, passed when Gallagher was a young child but despite that - and his aptitude for another sporting pursuit - the number eight harbours a feeling of closeness to him.

"He was actually a very good golf player, that was his skill set," Gallagher revealed.

"My mum always says rugby was his passion and he was looking to get into coaching before he passed.

"I don't have any personal memories of my dad, because I was so young [when he died], but I think it's something I've realised as I've grown up - there is emotion there and I can't really control it, it comes out at weird times."

The 25-year-old is known for her passion on the pitch and has been a tyro in the back-row for Scotland during the World Cup, earning plenty of plaudits.

A turnover machine, she is known for her work at the breakdown, powerful ball-carrying and defensive work-rate, and has even been touted to make the future British & Irish Lions squad in 2027.

"I like to think my passion comes from his passion, and it's a way to feel connected to him because I don't have many memories. It's always something I carry with me, which is really special.

"I actually brought one of his retro Scotland rugby shirts with me, and I wore it for my first World Cup shirt presentation.

"It's little things like that, that make feel close to him even though I don't have much to go on. Anything I can get that adds that sentiment, and helps me - in a good way - bring emotion to my game."

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

No man or woman has captained Scotland more than Rachel Malcolm.

That's the achievement she'll mark on Sunday against England in the World Cup quarter-final, the first Scotland Women have reached in 22 years.

She has led out her country on 53 occasions. Pretty incredible when you remember she's only got 61 caps.

"Honestly, it's like every press conference, it's a different record that she's breaking," said head coach Bryan Easson. "That's just the mark of the woman, isn't it?

"We presented to Rachel, a few weeks ago, her 50th cap as captain. That was another milestone.

"I asked everybody to give a word to describe her and we put this word map up. Just the word 'Scotland', she just epitomises what we are about."

'Leader', 'passion', 'pride' and 'power' were others. Her teammates Fran McGhie and Lisa Thomson, up next in the press conference, were similarly glowing.

"She had those leadership qualities [from early on], she's an absolute leader and a legend of the game," Thomson said. "We would follow her through a brick wall.

"Her pre-match speeches we've talked about before, but she's absolutely incredible and she knows what makes this group tick on and off the pitch."

McGhie echoed those sentiments: "Rachel's presence is irreplaceable for us and she brings so much to this team.

"If she told us to do something we would, whether we believed it or not, just because we believe in her."

Malcolm was first made captain in 2019 before Easson's appointment the following year and the head coach insisted that the last six years will be remembered for her leadership.

"You look at the progress that this team have made over the years, Rachel is at the heart of it," he said.

"The way she speaks and the way she plays, most importantly. When she does play, she leads from the front. But when she talks, she leads from the front, as well.

"It's the Rachel Malcolm era, I'll be honest. You can't look at the last five, six, seven years without mentioning Rachel.

"The era of this amazing woman on my left is pretty strong, and when we leave this World Cup, I think we'll put our heads well high."

Image source, SNS

Scotland forward Jade Konkel is to retire from international rugby following the conclusion of the Women's World Cup.

The 31-year-old will win her 74th cap in Sunday's quarter-final against tournament hosts England, having become the nation's first contracted professional women's player in 2016.

She made her debut aged 19 against the same opponents in the 2013 Six Nations and has since gone on to score 10 tries, the first coming against Italy in 2015.

This is a third World Cup for Konkel, who will continue to captain Harlequins in the Premiership.

She has also represented Scotland in eleven Six Nations campaigns and twice at the WXV2 competition, lifting the title in 2023.

"It's really hard to find the words because I've been in this squad since I was 18, that's literally my entire adult life, and it's because I have had the most incredible 13 years," she said.

"I'm from the Highlands, a very small place on the Black Isle, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would play for Scotland, let alone move to France, move to London, and have so many incredible memories just from playing a sport.

"It's come with the ups and downs, the injuries, but it's also come with the best memories and ones I will be telling on my death bed because they are some of the most special memories that I will have in my whole entire life."

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson thanked Konkel for her contribution and commitment to the national team.

He said: "She has been a trailblazer for the women's game, setting new standards through her professionalism, leadership and dedication on and off the pitch.

"Her influence over the last decade has been invaluable to the squad, both in terms of performances and the support she has given her teammates."

Claire Thomson
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Head coach Bryan Easson says Scotland's "recipe for success" at the Women's World Cup has been to focus themselves as they prepare to face hosts and favourites England in the quarter-finals this weekend.

The Scots finished second in Pool B after victories over Wales and Fiji and a loss to Canada, who are ranked second in the world.

Easson, whose side are huge underdogs in Sunday's game, told BBC Scotland: "It's going to be a huge task to beat a side that is number one in the world and has not been beaten by Scotland in more than 25 years.

"It's in Bristol in front of nearly 30,000 people. It's going to be wet and windy, and one of those Scottish games that we've prayed for. It's going to tough but certainly something we're up for.

"Our recipe for success this World Cup has been to focus on our ourselves. It's not going to change now because it's England and we play them every year."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Wentworth

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland and Lions talisman Finn Russell admits he is experiencing a "very different type of nerves" teeing it up among golfing superstars this week.

Russell is taking part in the pro-am at Wentworth, with 38 professionals each playing alongside three amateurs.

It precedes the start of the BMW PGA Championship on Thursday, the flagship event on the DP World Tour.

"It's completely different. I often play in front of 60,000 people, but coming here and hitting a ball, which isn't my strongest, in front of a few hundred is a very different type of nerves," Russell told BBC Scotland.

"It's exciting but I don't know if I'll be saying that when I get to the first tee."

Russell joined a raft of famous faces at Wentworth, including two-time Wimbledon winner Andy Murray, who announced this week he wants to target qualifying for The Open, having become engrossed in the sport since retiring from tennis.

"My brother-in-law is [professional golfer] Ewen Ferguson and I've played with him a couple of times," Russell said.

"Golf is definitely something I want to take more seriously in the future when I retire.

"It's hard when I'm training or playing most days and I have two young kids so days off aren't really days off. Trying to get six hours out of the house is quite tough.

"When I finish up and the kids are older, I hope to get into it more."

Former captain Lisa Martin believes Scotland are playing their best rugby in a decade at the Women's World Cup and says records, such as their 26-year wait for a win against this weekend's quarter-final opponents England, are there to be broken.

Martin joins Tom English, Andrew Petrie and BBC Sport reporter and commentator Sara Orchard on this week's BBC Scotland Rugby podcast.

They discuss Scotland's performances in the Women's World Cup, succession planning within the Scottish women's game, plus the departure of head coach Bryan Easson.

Listen to the latest episode of the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast.

Image source, PA Media

Scotland prop Elliann Clarke has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup with a knee injury.

The 24-year-old tighthead came off in Scotland's victory over Fiji in Pool B and missed the 40-19 defeat by Canada.

Her replacement in Exeter at the weekend, Lisa Cockburn, was also forced off for a head injury assessment and will miss the quarter-final with England.

Christine Belisle, who stepped away from Scotland duty after missing out on World Cup selection, has been called up as cover.

Loughborough Lightning prop Belisle took time away from the Scotland set up for personal reasons during the 2025 Six Nations, and then quit after not making Bryan Easson's training squad.

Image source, Getty Images

Rhona Lloyd says Scotland have left their mark on the World Cup, regardless of what happens in next week's quarter-final against England.

The Scots finished second in Pool B after wins against Wales and Fiji and a loss against Canada - ranked second in the world.

They meet hosts and favourites England in Bristol on Sunday.

"We want to compete with the best and we'll go and put on a performance we're proud of next week if we are against England," Lloyd told BBC Scotland.

"We want to be putting a mark on the world stage and I think we've really done that in this World Cup."

Scotland had hoped they could avoid England with a shock victory over Canada and although they fought bravely, Bryan Easson's side eventually fell to a 40-19 defeat.

"Initial feeling is just frustration," Lloyd said immediately after the game. "I think that shows how far we've come.

"I don't think the scoreline really reflected the game. There were massive periods we were really in it and a couple of patches let us down.

"There's bits to be really proud of and a lot to learn from. We could have probably been more disciplined.

"Right now it's really raw and it hurts, but I hope we can focus on how we competed with the second best team in the world.

Scotland fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's Women's Rugby World Cup defeat to Canada.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Anne Marie: Absolutely brilliant and world class at times. Lack of concentration to give possession away leading to some Canada tries. If we can improve on that we could give any team a run for their money. So proud of the way they fight and desire. Just some fine tuning needed. Let's go Scotland!

Steve: Scotland's best performance of the qualifying rounds for me but Canada were always going to be just too strong. Evie Gallagher's yellow was a real turning point until the end of the half. She has been our standout player and that can happen when you live on the fringes, so no blame here. We went on to show good fight and fitness right to the end. England it is, which sadly will be another bridge too far, and while I don't want to be defeatist, a similar performance and scoreline would make for a satisfactory campaign. I really feel for Brian Easson as this is a team heading in the right direction, and at an impressive rate.

Andy: Players have nothing to be ashamed about. They gave everything they had but we're just beaten by better team. Very close call on disallowed try killed Scottish momentum and any chance we had disappeared at that moment. Don't expect they'll beat England in quarter-final but as long as they give it 100 per cent then they can leave tournament with their heads high.

Gordon: This tournament has proved without a doubt that Scotland's women's team are going in the right direction. They gave Canada a real game there and had them worried for a bit. Set pieces proved to be the difference. A strong scrum and an effective line out are key and that's where we struggled. Sort that and we're up there with the best in the world.

Graeme: Great performance again by the ladies, fine margins stopped it being closer on the scoreboard at the end. Emma Orr, Fran McGhie and Evie Gallagher have shown in the three pool matches they are world class players.

Paul: I felt compelled to say how proud I was of the Scottish women despite the loss to Canada on Saturday. I know that sounds very Scottish but I see a massive difference in their level in the last couple of years. Skill, composure and physicality but most of all a great attitude. Looking forward to seeing what they can do over the next few years with the high performances changes laid out by SRU performance director David Nucifora this week.

Scotland could face a Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against hosts England after Canada checked their momentum in a compelling contest in Exeter.

Read the match report

Have your say

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Head coach Bryan Easson says the 40-19 scoreline in Scotland's defeat to Canada was not a fair reflection of how competitive his side was.

The Scots suffered their first defeat of the Women's Rugby World Cup and are now likely to face tournament favourites England in the quarter-finals.

Scotland found ways to hurt a Canada side who are number two in the world rankings, scoring lovely tries through Rhona Lloyd, Evie Gallagher and Francesca McGhie, but several lapses proved costly.

"Frustration, but pride as well," Easson told BBC Scotland following the defeat.

"The second best team in the world and we went toe-to-toe with them, scored three tries, put them under a serious amount of pressure.

"But the thing for me is when you're playing against the best in the world, you give two or three opportunities or a couple of little bits of ill-discipline, they turn the screw, don't they? And that's probably the difference.

"I didn't think 21 points was a fair reflection of the game. I thought it was closer than that. But it shows we're closing the gap."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Sarah Bonar says running out for her 50th Scotland cap against Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup on Saturday will be a "cool" moment after fearing she would never reach the landmark.

The lock has struggled with a string of injuries in recent years, but has re-established her second row partnership with Emma Wassell.

Bonar says she has learned to cherish each individual cap having previously become fixated on reaching that half century of Tests.

"I almost got a bit hung up on it," Bonar said.

"I remember having a conversation with my dad, and it got to the point where we're like, 'let's just take each game as it it comes'.

"I haven't probably had the most plain-sailing journey to get here. I've had quite a few injuries over the most recent years, in particular.

"So I did think, 'oh, maybe it's just not part of my plan'. And probably until I step foot on that pitch and the whistle goes, I don't think I'll quite believe it yet.

"But, yeah, it's cool to be in this position."