THE women’s Scottish national rugby team are set for a £364,353 funding boost to help them prepare for the Rugby World Cup this autumn.
The 36-member squad is set to receive £144,353 from the Scottish Government along with a further £220,000 from Scottish Rugby. This will help the players train full-time in the lead-up to the tournament.
The tournament was set to be held back in 2021 but was postponed due to Covid-19 and will now be held from October 8 to November 12 in New Zealand.
Scotland’s first match of the event will kick off on October 9 against Wales following an 11 week training camp.
Scotland Women’s captain, Rachel Malcolm, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the funding and support that the Scottish Government has provided to the Scotland Women programme.
“It is a hugely exciting year for women’s rugby and the support that has been announced today will be fundamental in allowing us to train and reach our potential during the Rugby World Cup.”
The funding will also be used to underpin a promotional campaign to inspire young players in Scotland through the team’s involvement in the global competition.
Sports Minister Maree Todd said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to compete at the highest level and to showcase elite women’s sport.
“I am immensely proud of what the team have achieved so far and am very pleased that we are able to support them financially to represent Scotland at the top level.
“The players have made huge commitments and sacrifices and I look forward to watching and supporting them later this year. These women will be role models who motivate, promote and inspire others to participate in sport and physical activity.”
