Big Stirling interest in Six Nations clash

Scotland play their opening Six Nations match in Dublin against Ireland tomorrow and while they will no doubt miss former Stirling County youth Finn Russell, there are a number of others in the squad with Bridgehaugh connections for fans to support.

In the backs, Sam Johnson will start in the centre with Ali Price at scrum-half while on the bench, New Zealand-born prop Simon Berghan has family connections in Cambusbarron.

Scotland’s U20 team to face Ireland tonight in Cork will feature lock-forward Cameron Henderson.

And in the women’s squad,

Evie Gallagher and Rachel Shankland (pictured) join Siobhan Cattigan for the match against Ireland on Sunday. Now at Edinburgh University, Evie has been capped by Scotland

Sevens and been in the wider squad for a while.

Head coach Philip Doyle said: “Evie has come through the under-20s and has been in a number of camps with us.

“She is a No.8 who can play across the back row. She is young, but certainly has the skill set to be an international rugby player.

“She just needs to work on her knowledge and conditioning, which she will get in our environment. A fine prospect.”

County skipper Rachel Shankland has been rewarded for her consistent form

“Her club coach rang me up a few months ago and asked me to take a look at her because he felt she could do well and I totally agreed,”added Doyle.

“She has been coming to skills sessions with us and one full camp and has done really well.

“We will need a bit more time with Rachel to get her up to speed at this level but she is going in the right direction for sure.”

Siobhan Cattigan retains her place in the squad while Megan Kennedy, sister of County’s Super6 captain Reyner, is out injured. The team will be announced later today (Friday).

Stirling Wolves are at Gala tomorrow for a Tennent’s National League Division 1 match while Bannockburn are at Crieff and Strathearn in Tennent’s Caledonia Midlands Division 3.