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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

Jubilant scenes as Scotland crush Colombia to reach Rugby World Cup and Wales opponents confirmed

Scotland have qualified for the Women's Rugby World Cup following a 59-3 victory over Colombia.

Eight players shared nine tries on Friday as Scotland swept into this year's tournament in New Zealand with a comprehensive win in Dubai in the final qualification match.

Megan Gaffney got two while Evie Wills notched her first try for her country.

Sarah Law, Rhona Lloyd, Molly Wright, Jade Konkel, Lana Skeldon and Lisa Thomson also crossed.

Colombia's only points came from a Maria Arzuaga penalty late in the first half.

It marks the first time Scotland Women have reached a World Cup since 2010.

Emma Wassell (centre left) of Scotland reacts (Christopher Pike - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Scotland celebrate victory (Christopher Pike - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

It means Wales will be facing Bryan Easson's Scots, Australia and defending champions New Zealand in Pool A during the group stages of the tournament, which starts on October 8.

Wales' first home match of the Women's Six Nations, against Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, April 2, now takes on fresh significance as it will be a dress rehearsal for their World Cup meeting this autumn.

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson said: “I am so proud of the team, this has been a long journey, but now we are going to a World Cup and we are so happy. I was pleased with how we controlled this game and now we can start building towards New Zealand."

Lissete Martinez, Colombia's proud head coach, said: "This trip to Dubai has been a great experience for us. To play against a team of the quality of Scotland shows us the levels we want to try to get to and now we want to try and push on and grow women’s rugby in our country. For us to do that we have to play Test matches and get more games against good sides, but we hope what we have done in Dubai has inspired young girls in our country to take up the sport."

The final whistle sparked celebrations from Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and her team-mates. The skipper said: "It's the best feeling I've felt in my entire life. It probably sounds a bit over the top but as a wee girl I dreamt of playing in this shirt, as did everyone in that squad today and to go out there and play with some of my best mates and perform for Scotland and get Scotland into a Rugby World Cup - I can't even begin to explain how much it means to me and to everyone in that changing room."

Ioan Cunningham's Wales side have been the subject of renewed Welsh Rugby Union investment this year, with 12 players signing full-time professional contracts in January and 11 more putting pen to paper on semi-professional deals.

The Women's Six Nations, which kicks off on March 26 a week after the men's tournament concludes, will be the first time Welsh fans will have a chance to see their progress since historic contracts were introduced for the previously amateur side.

Tickets for Wales' three home matches - including France on April 22 and Italy on April 30 - are on sale and priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children.

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