Gallagher and Young out of Six Nations in blow for Scotland
Scotland have been dealt a double blow before their Women's Six Nations campaign with the news that two key players have been ruled out through injury. Number eight Evie Gallagher, who was shortlisted for the player of the championship award last season, misses out alongside loosehead prop Anne Young. Scotland start their campaign against Wales on Saturday, 11 April, playing at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Gallagher was also named in the team of the tournament last year and was one of Scotland's best players as they made it to the World Cup quarter-finals in England. The 25-year-old's importance in the squad increased following former captain Jade Konkel's retirement from international rugby. Gloucester-Hartpury flanker Gemma Bell has been called up as her replacement and will duke it out for a spot in the back-row alongside current skipper Rachel Malcolm, stalwart Rachel McLachlan and the promising Alex Stewart.
If required, locks Eva Donaldson and Louise McMillan could also move further back in the pack. Young started all but one game in last year's Six Nations, but the 26-year-old picked up an injury playing for her club side, Loughborough Lightning. She is replaced in the squad with uncapped 30-year-old Demi Swann, who was last called up for the WXV 2 tournament in 2023.
Other options for new head coach Sione Fukofuka at loosehead include Leah Bartlett, who is one appearance away from her 50th cap, and new face Poppy Fletcher. Tighthead Elliann Clarke can play on the other side of the scrum, but her only back-ups are youngsters Molly Poolman and Imogen Spence. Scotland are already without veteran campaigners Sarah Bonar and Lisa Thomson for the tournament, with hooker Elis Martin still returning from injury.