Nelson call-up makes it a sister act for Scots

Bryony Nelson has been handed an early birthday present after being called up by Scotland Women Sevens for the first time to join her sister Helen in the squad.

Winger Nelson turns 27 on Friday and by that time she will be in Kazan, Russia with Scotland getting ready for the Rugby Europe Grand Prix event which takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

And with her younger sibling Helen, 24, the captain of the group it promises to be a proud few days for the family with their brother Robbie also co-captain of a Currie Chieftains side who start their own Tennent’s Premiership campaign this weekend.

Bryony, originally from Glencoe, now turns out for Watsonians in the Tennent’s Women’s Premier League and only took up the game in 2016.

As a result, her rise to this level is quite remarkable and she said: “Training with the extended sevens squad this summer has really helped my confidence and when I missed out on the first Grand Prix event in Paris [in late June/ early July] I was determined to work hard and make it to Russia.

“I am glad to have done that

0 Bryony Nelson: ‘Proud’

and to be playing for Scotland with Helen is something pretty special for us both. We are trying to not make too big a deal about it, but I am proud to see the way she has developed as a captain.”

In all there are five changes to the squad that travelled to France, the inclusion of last year’s skipper Lisa Thomson after injury a big boost while teenager Evie Wills has been named in the travelling party.

Mairi Mcdonald and the experienced Hannah Smith are also involved.

Scotland are currently eighth in the 12-team standings and need to be in the top ten after this weekend to avoid relegation.