Scotland’s World Cup exit signals change but also opportunity
Evie Gallagher will be a big player for Scotland in 2026 and beyond
©Photo by Morgan Harlow - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
Scotland face significant changes following their exit from the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
A sold-out Ashton Gate saw England comfortably reach the semi-finals, bringing the adventure for Bryan Easson's side to a conclusion in the West Country.
While the Red Roses notched a record-breaking 31st consecutive win in Bristol, the result marked the close of this particular chapter for Scotland as attention now turns to the future.
Head coach Easson - and his long-time defence coach Tyrone Holmes - will not continue with the team moving forward.
Meanwhile, experienced internationals Jade Konkel (74 caps) and Lisa Cockburn (37 caps) had already indicated before the quarter-finals that they would retire from international rugby following the tournament.
Since Scotland’s 40-8 defeat to England, Caity Mattinson (37 caps) has also announced her retirement from international duty, and more departures could follow in the coming weeks.
That is because it now seems, if the majority of reports are to be believed, that only around 15 players will have contracts with Scottish Rugby going forward.
More on that will no doubt be made public in the coming weeks and, while it might make it difficult for Scotland to continue to try and close the gap on the top four in the world heading into 2026 and beyond, there are also plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
Many of the World Cup squad have been together for nearly a decade, but a wave of talented players in their 20s have emerged in recent years and become key figures in the set-up.
With the changes mooted to come, these players may need to step up even more going forward, but they are certainly capable of that.
Here are five players who could shape Scotland’s future post-World Cup:
Evie Gallagher
The 25-year-old Bristol Bears back-rower earned her 41st cap against England in the World Cup reverse at Ashton Gate, and is already a first-choice pick for Scotland.
Missing the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand due to injury might have derailed many young players, but Gallagher, a product of Stirling County, used the setback as motivation.
Over the past three years, she has been a mainstay for Scotland, showcasing consistency in ball carrying, footwork, and breakdown work, while her all-around game remains at an elite level.
Leia Brebner-Holden
It has been just over a year since the Loughborough Lightning scrum-half made her international debut against Wales.
Having bided her time, the 23-year-old now owns the number nine jersey. Her quick service has added a new dimension to Scotland’s attack, and her partnership with experienced stand-off Helen Nelson has grown stronger, allowing Nelson greater freedom on the field.
Brebner-Holden scored her first international try against Wales during the World Cup, reflecting the confidence she has gained through playing regularly for Lightning and Scotland.
With 15 caps to her name, she is poised for continued growth.
Emma Orr
Breaking onto the international stage aged 18 in 2022, Orr has developed into a key player.
She is now one of the first names on the Scotland teamsheet in the 13 shirt, having already played at the Commonwealth Games sevens in 2022 and the World Cup in New Zealand before this year’s World Cup.
Her centre partner, Lisa Thomson, described her as “world class” during the tournament, a sentiment few would dispute.
Orr’s defensive reading of the game and attacking awareness are exceptional, and her dedication to analysing her own performances and studying opponents ensures continual improvement. At 22, she has already earned 34 caps and scored tries against Wales and Fiji in this World Cup.
Francesca McGhie
Scotland’s standout performer of the World Cup, McGhie scored six tries, showcasing her pace and dazzling footwork.
The 22-year-old East Lothian native will join Trailfinders Women in the Premier 15s this season after moving from Leicester Tigers and will be keen to carry her World Cup form onto the domestic scene.
Observers of Scottish women’s rugby have long recognised McGhie’s potential, and her performance on the world stage has confirmed it.
Her six tries in three Pool B games equalled Scotland’s individual try record at a World Cup, bringing her total to 16 tries in 26 caps.
Meryl Smith
The 24-year-old Bristol Bears playmaker debuted for Scotland in 2022 and featured at the World Cup in New Zealand.
Smith has 22 caps but missed this year’s tournament in England due to an ACL injury sustained at the WXV 2 event in Australia last year.
Born in the Netherlands and raised in Edinburgh, she also represented Scotland in sevens at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Once fully recovered, Smith’s versatility - capable of playing 10, 12, or 15 - combined with her rugby intelligence, promises a bright future for Scotland.
