Butcher Names 32-Player Scotland Squad for WXV Global Series Tour of Australia

Scotland Women will take a 32-strong squad Down Under for the closing stages of the WXV Global Series, interim head coach Dave Butcher confirmed on Tuesday, with the touring party split into 18 forwards and 14 backs. Scotland face the Wallaroos twice on Australian soil — first at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, October 17, then at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday, October 23 — as they look to build on September's home fixtures against Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The squad news brings welcome returns. Lucia Scott is back after the injury that ruled her out of the home series, and Rachel Philipps returns following concussion protocols, bolstering the backline options for the two-Test trip. But there are also enforced absences: Emma Wassell and Alex Stewart miss out through injury. The squad blends experience with fresh talent — recent debutants Ceitidh Ainsworth and Katie Buchanan keep their places, while tighthead prop Imogen Spence and centre Nicole Flynn are the only uncapped members of the travelling group. The October tour represents a significant test for Butcher's side as Scotland continue their push on the global stage, with the coaching staff backing the blend of returning regulars and emerging names to deliver results against the Wallaroos.