Women’s rugby squad given £360,000 to train full-time for World Cup

The Scottish national women’s rugby team are set to receive more than £360,000 ahead of the women’s Rugby World Cup this year.

The 36-strong squad has been promised £144,353 by the Scottish Government, in addition to £220,000 from Scottish Rugby, to enable them to train full-time as they gear up for the prestigious tournament.

The Rugby World Cup will be held in New Zealand from October 8 to November 12, and Team Scotland will kick off their campaign on October 9 against Wales after a gruelling 11-week preparation camp.

Scotland Women’s captain, Rachel Malcolm, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the funding and support that the Scottish Government has provided to the Scotland Women programme.

“It is a hugely exciting year for women’s rugby and the support that has been announced today will be fundamental in allowing us to train and reach our potential during the Rugby World Cup.”

The funding will also be used to underpin a promotional campaign to inspire young players in Scotland through the team’s involvement in the global competition.

Sports minister Maree Todd said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to compete at the highest level and to showcase elite women’s sport.

“I am immensely proud of what the team have achieved so far and am very pleased that we are able to support them financially to represent Scotland at the top level.

“The players have made huge commitments and sacrifices and I look forward to watching and supporting them later this year. These women will be role models who motivate, promote and inspire others to participate in sport and physical activity.”