Scotland recall Scott for Australia double-header
Interim head coach Dave Butcher has recalled full-back Lucia Scott to Scotland's 32-player squad for two Tests against Australia this month.
Scotland face the Wallaroos at Accor Stadium in Sydney on 17 October, then again at Gio Stadium in Canberra on 23 October BBC Sport. The announcement was dated 6 October 2026 by Scottish Rugby Scottish Rugby.
Scott is back after injury ruled her out of Scotland's recent home defeats by Canada, New Zealand and Australia in Edinburgh. The full-back — the last line of defence and often the catcher of high kicks — adds pace and cover at the back. She is listed by Scottish Rugby as a Glasgow Warriors player with 12 caps, which means 12 international appearances.
Butcher is in interim charge for the trip. His squad blends experience with fresh faces, as Scotland look for a response after a tough home block that included a loss to Canada, who reached the Women's Rugby World Cup final.
There is more good news in the backs and forwards. Rachel Phillips is available again after missing the last meeting with Australia while following concussion protocols, the mandatory stand-down and checks after a head knock.
Uncapped Imogen Spence and Nicole Flynn have also been included for the tour BBC Sport. No prior caps. No prior Test baggage. Just an open door.
Scotland will travel without Alex Stewart and Emma Wassell, who both miss out with injury. Their absence thins the pack options and puts extra focus on the fit forwards to carry the workload across two hard games in six days.
The two matches are part of the WXV Global Series, World Rugby's cross-regional women's Test programme. World Rugby lists the Canberra fixture on 23 October 2026 at GIO Stadium as part of the 2026 schedule. More than 100 Tests are planned between 2026 and the Women's Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia, giving teams regular, meaningful competition between World Cups World Rugby.
For fans, this means a quick rematch. Scotland have just faced Australia in Edinburgh. Now they get two cracks on Australian soil, where travel, heat and a vocal home crowd change the test completely.
