THREE Borderers have been named in Scotland’s extended training squad ahead of the Women’s Six Nations.
Lisa Thomson, Chloe Rollie and Lana Skeldon are in the 34-player group set to meet on Monday (February 26).
Biggar’s Emma Orr has also been selected.
On his squad selection, head coach Bryan Easson said: “After our success in South Africa at WXV2, we are ready to push on with a Six Nations campaign and it’s exciting to be doing this with new faces to the squad and management team.
“The expansion of the Celtic Challenge has helped us identify a number of up-and-coming players who have showcased they deserve a chance to take the next step.
“It’s great to bring in a number of experienced players and those whose professional careers have been flourishing in the Allianz PWR. Lana Skeldon, Rachel Malcolm, Evie Gallagher and Elliann Clarke have all been real standouts in that competition, alongside newcomer Meg Varley. I’m looking forward to seeing this group challenge each other in the run up to the championship.”
Easson has named seven uncapped players, four of whom were recently drafted as core squad members for Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge.
Forwards Alex Stewart and Merryn Gunderson, both of Corstorphine Cougars, have earned their first call up to the senior squad, while University of Edinburgh duo Cieron Bell and Nicole Flynn also impressed during their time with the capital side.
Scottish Qualified Leia Brebner-Holden, who has spent time playing in the Celtic Challenge with Edinburgh Rugby, and Megan Varley, of Bristol Bears, also enter the squad for the first time.
Varley, who has previously played for England U20s, qualifies to play for Scotland through her Scottish-born mother. Brebner-Holden also qualifies through her mother who was born in Brora.
Fiona McIntosh returns to the training squad having travelled with Scotland to South Africa for WXV2. The lock has also recently featured in the Celtic Challenge for Edinburgh Rugby.
The tournament kicks off next month.
Scotland start their campaign in Wales on March 23.
They then host France and England before heading to Italy.
The Scots end with a trip to Ireland.
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