Spain too soon for Rollie but Donnybrook is in her sights
Starfull-backchloerollieison course to return from injury and face Ireland for the Women’s Six Nations opener at Donnybrook on 2 February.
The Harlequins Tyrells player, who scored a wonder longrange try against the same opponents at the same venue in 2018, has been recovering from a leg injury and won’t feature in tomorrow’s warmup Test against Spain in Almeria (kick-off 11am GMT, live on BBC Alba) but coach Philip Doyle is hopeful she will be back to face Ireland, along with sidelined skipper Rachel Malcolm.
“Rachel is with us here this week and will be up for selection for the Irish game, as well as Chloe Rollie,” said Doyle, who has selected one uncapped player in his Scotland XV – Loughborough Lightning’s Leah Bartlett at loosehead prop, supporting hooker Lana Skeldon and Mairi Forsyth at tighthead.
Stalwartsemmawasselland Sarah Bonar will resume their partnership in the second row, while Rachel Mclachlan and Siobhan Cattigan will start as flankers and Harlequins star Jade Konkel is at No 8.
Jenny Maxwell will start at scrum half and stand-in skipper Helen Nelson will play outside her at stand-off.
Lisa Thomson and Hannah Smith make up the centre contingent with Evie Tonkin starting at full-back. Megan Gaffney and Rhona Lloyd have been selected on the wing.
Doyle added: “I’m excited to see what this team will deliver in Spain. We have a good mix with some experienced players but also a number hoping to receive their first cap.
“Leah has settled in well with the squad and has really shown some great physicality and game understanding. She has impressed us and has warranted a start.
“Spain are going to be tough, so I will be expecting the players to put everything into this match and come away with a performance that will put us in a good stead ahead of the up and coming Six Nations. That is ultimately what we are aiming for.”
Scotland team to face Spain, tomorrow at Estadio Municipal Juan Rojas, Almeria (kick-off 11am GMT – live on BBC Alba):