Glasgow Warriors back row Emily Coubrough, aged just 19, is poised to earn her first Scotland cap this Saturday as the women's team kicks off their Six Nations campaign against Wales at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.
Coubrough is one of four uncapped players selected by new head coach Sione Fukofuka for his inaugural match in charge. She steps into the starting lineup, deputizing for the injured Evie Gallagher.
"She's come in and really thrown herself into that collision space in particular," Fukofuka said of Coubrough. "We saw a lot of potential and we felt that with a little bit of guidance, there's an opportunity to allow her to play her natural game. The fact that Rachel Malcolm is right next to her is a big plus."
The squad is in a period of transition following a quarter-final finish at last year's World Cup, with several key players retiring post-tournament. Fukofuka also faces significant injury absences, including Anne Young, Sarah Bonar, and Lisa Thomson.
Prop Leah Bartlett is set to mark a milestone, earning her 50th cap for Scotland. She will be joined in the front row by Elliann Clarke and experienced hooker Lana Skeldon.
The team features a blend of experience and new talent. Hollie Cunningham returns from injury to partner Emma Wassell in the second row. Captain Rachel Malcolm and Alex Stewart join debutant Coubrough in the back row.
In the backs, Leia Brebner-Holden starts at scrum-half with Helen Nelson at fly-half. The centre partnership of Meryl Smith and Emma Orr is expected to be formidable. Wing Shona Campbell earns her first cap since 2022, completing the back three with Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie.
Fukofuka has opted for a five-three split of forwards and backs among the replacements, which include other potential debutants Demi Swann, Holland Bogan, and Rianna Darroch.
Scotland Starting XV: Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Meryl Smith, Shona Campbell, Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Hollie Cunningham, Rachel Malcolm (captain), Alex Stewart, Emily Coubrough.
Replacements: Molly Martin, Demi Swann, Christine Poolman, Holland Bogan, Eva Donaldson, Rianna Darroch, Lisa Wills, Coreen Scott.