West of Scotland Ladies draw strength from community as squad builds toward higher levels

West of Scotland Ladies defeated Hillhead/Jordanhill Ladies 46-19 at Burnbrae on Sunday in an entertaining, free-flowing match that underlined the growth of women’s rugby at club level even as Scotland’s national side fell short in the Rugby World Cup.

The victory served as a reminder of the depth developing in the domestic game and the club’s role producing players who move on to international duty. Former West of Scotland player Rachel McLachlan, pictured in action for Scotland at the World Cup quarterfinals, is one recent example of that pathway.

The Burnbrae ground sits behind a supermarket and beside a changing streetscape, but inside the clubhouse photographs of past internationals form a continuous line around the lounge bar. Neil Scobie, honorary secretary and women’s team manager, pointed to the pictures as he traced a local rugby lineage back to Alexander Robertson, who played in the first men’s international in 1871, and through names such as Sandy Carmichael. Scobie said the present women’s side was revived in 2017 and now includes at least one international among its former players.

Scobie said the current incarnation of the team sprang from a close connection to Glasgow Caledonian University, with many players staying on after graduating. He noted that while some players have left to pursue careers overseas — including moves to New Zealand for roles in health services — those who remain have brought enthusiasm and rising standards to Burnbrae. "This team started with a close connection to Glasgow Caledonian University," Scobie said. "Players who left the uni wanted to play on and that was the creation of the present incarnation. Therefore, so many of the players are physiotherapists or nurses. Opportunities for the players came up in New Zealand so they have emigrated."

Gavin McGreish, who moved into the women’s setup after working with under-18 men’s teams, described a coachable squad keen to play an open, running style. He said his priority is increasing participation and building the club rather than chasing trophies. "Personally, my ambition is to grow the numbers, perhaps eventually have two teams," McGreish said. "It is great to see people enjoying their rugby."

Captain Jade Scott, who also works as an assistant manager at a gym, has been central to that on-field energy. Full-back Amber Johnston combines playing with administrative responsibilities as the club’s lead contact for women’s rugby and membership secretary. Johnston, who took up rugby at 23 after moving from Aberdeenshire, said the sport had given her confidence and a community. "I love the team aspect of it," she said. "I moved here from Aberdeenshire and all my closest pals are here now. I have become much more involved in the club."

Natasha Burge, a club stalwart since the revitalisation, recalled playing alongside McLachlan when both arrived at university in 2017 and said McLachlan’s athleticism and commitment were apparent from the start. "Rachel and I started together in our first year at uni in 2017. It was apparent that she was going to be a real talent," Burge said. She added that McLachlan’s background in judo helped mark her out on the rugby field.

Sunday’s match was competitive, with West of Scotland’s running game creating space and scoring opportunities and Hillhead/Jordanhill offering resistance across the pitch. The game continued despite a disruption when the referee sustained a calf injury and was replaced at half-time by a substitute official who traveled in from Bishopbriggs.

Spectators included a notable contingent of children; club officials said attracting younger participants and supporters is a central aim. Scobie and others stressed the club’s interest in maintaining a supportive environment as numbers increase, pointing to past seasons when fielding a side was a struggle and to two appearances at Murrayfield in cup finals as markers of progress.

Players and coaches said the current momentum at Burnbrae reflects a broader trend in Scottish women’s rugby: more newcomers, many from university programs, are taking up the sport and staying with it. That expansion at club level has coincided with players reaching representative honours, even as the national squad’s World Cup run ended sooner than supporters hoped.

For now, West of Scotland’s immediate aim is consolidation and growth. Officials and players alike spoke of long-term objectives that include establishing additional teams to accommodate rising interest and continuing to develop the pipeline to higher levels of the game. The club’s victory at Burnbrae illustrated both the promise and the practical work underway to sustain women’s rugby across the region.