Thomson: Defence key to promotion

Scotland Women Sevens’ skipper Lisa Thomson, 19, has praised her team’s defence after they gained promotion to the Grand Prix circuit for 2018 by winning the Rugby Europe Trophy event in Hungary at the weekend.

Over two events – in Prague in June and this one in Esztergom – they conceded just 12 points in 12 ties and scored 81 tries. Thomson said: “We worked at our defensive structures and that came good. The way we pressed and tackled put a lot of pressure on the opposition and we managed to force a lot of turnovers which we were then able to use to our advantage going forward.

“The amount of pace we have in the squad, the girls’ willingness to learn and work-rate all played their part. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this group.”