A FORMER Scotland stalwart is helping to bring through the next generation of women’s rugby players.

Megan Gaffney called time on her international career last year – more than a decade after picking up her first cap.

Now, she has been named as part of the coaching team for the women’s under-16s programme.

She was confident that the pathway in place and the increasing interest in the sport meant the future was looking positive.

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The 32-year-old said: “When I was that age, there was an under-18s programme.

“They have chopped and changed through the years but they have settled on this set-up, which seems to be working really well.

“Just after Christmas, there was a regional series and from there the girls have been selected.

“Playing numbers is night and time.

“In the whole of Scotland, there were maybe a couple of hundred players. Now, you have got teams all over the place.

“In the squad, we have got girls from Biggar, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, the Highlands, Ellon – all over.”

The women’s under-age programme headed to Galashiels at the weekend to take part in a festival.

The selected under-16 players, who were identified through the Girls Regional Game Series, faced off against opposition from North Wales and the Netherlands.

 

 

Gordon Lyon was named head coach for a second year, while Gaffney was joined by Stephen Gillies, of Hillhead Jordanhill, Nikki Simpson (Glasgow Warriors) and Holly McIntyre (University of Edinburgh).

Gaffney said: “It is very different.

“It is a lot of work – probably more than I thought it would be – but it is good to see it from the other side now.

“Scottish Rugby have programmes like that in place.”

Gaffney, who grew up in North Berwick, made her international debut against the Netherlands in Amsterdam in November 2011.

She also played a key role in helping Scotland 7s qualify for their first ever Commonwealth Games before going on to compete at the 2022 Birmingham Games.

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Finally, she bowed out in style with 45 caps after scoring two tries in the defeat to Wales at the Rugby World Cup.

Now, she is hoping to pass on her experience to the next generation.

A 46-player squad was selected for the occasion, including Dylan Worsley, from Preston Lodge RFC.

Gaffney said: “It is pretty incredible to be selected as one of the best at what you do.

“It is a huge honour.

“For this group, this might be the first time they have played full XV rugby.

“A lot of them come from clubs where there are limited numbers.”

Head coach Lyon said ahead of the rugby festival: “The players are fantastic to work with, they bring a lot of enthusiasm and willingness to learn and no doubt they will take a lot of this back into their own environments, whether that be at club or school.

“Having a calibre of coaching staff that we do is not only of huge benefit to this team, but a real inspiration for the players involved.

“Working with players who have achieved great things and have bright futures ahead of them will no doubt provide extra motivation and visibility for the girls to see what they can be.”