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34m ago

Scottish Rugby Confirms 35 Contracts and Centralised Women’s Programme for 2025/26

The union presents the plan as the start of the next World Cup cycle following weeks of player and club criticism.

Scotland outlines plan for women's rugby after World Cup uncertainty
Malcolm, the Scotland captain, was one of the players that were unhappy about the timing of contract talks

Overview

  • For 2025/26, Scottish Rugby will contract 35 players, up from 32 last season, with 17 full deals aligned to leagues in England and France, 11 full contracts in Scotland and seven development contracts, plus 15 emerging players granted daily programme access.
  • A centralised high-performance programme at Oriam has begun, with Scotland-based players set to form the core of Edinburgh and Glasgow teams in the Celtic Challenge alongside selections from the Arnold Clark Premiership, BUCS Super League and the Scottish Qualified Programme.
  • The national selection policy is unchanged, allowing call-ups regardless of contract status, with remuneration provided through a separate National Team Agreement.
  • Leading clubs report limited consultation and say centrally programmed players now train only once per week with their teams, while captain Rachel Malcolm and retiree Jade Konkel have criticised the timing and process as disruptive.
  • Key appointments remain outstanding, including a new head coach, a Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways and a managing director of women’s rugby, as leaders highlight plans to build a strengthened high-performance setup at Oriam.