Sione Fukofuka Makes Seven Changes for Scotland Vs France
Scotland women made seven changes to their XV for scotland vs france at Hive Stadium on Saturday 9 May, a reshuffle that included first Scotland starts for Holland Bogan and Rachel Philipps. The final home match of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations kicks off at 4.15pm, with Scotland trying a new look before the championship runs on.
Fukofuka reshapes the XV
Sione Fukofuka brought Leah Bartlett, Elis Martin, Louise McMillan, Becky Boyd and Rhona Lloyd into the starting side as part of the seven changes. Bartlett starts at loosehead prop and Martin at hooker, while Elliann Clarke keeps her place at tighthead prop. Louise McMillan reaches her 60th Scotland appearance in the second row alongside Emma Wassell.
Boyd moves into number eight after coming off the bench against Italy. Bogan starts at blindside flanker and Eva Donaldson at openside flanker, with Philipps handed her first start for Scotland at outside centre. Meryl Smith stays at inside centre for the fifth consecutive round, and Francesca McGhie keeps her place on the left wing.
Nelson keeps control
Helen Nelson retains the captaincy in Rachel Malcolm’s absence and stays in the half-back partnership with Leia Brebner-Holden for a fourth consecutive game. Rhona Lloyd returns on the right wing after missing the Italy match because of concussion protocols, and Chloe Rollie starts at full-back.
The bench is split five forwards and three backs, giving Scotland cover across the pack and the back line. Uncapped hooker Aicha Sutcliffe is named in her first matchday 23 of the tournament, while Rhea Clarke is included in a matchday squad for the first time in the championship.
Hive Stadium selection call
This is Scotland’s penultimate match of the championship, so the changes point to a side being managed around form, fitness and availability rather than a settled lineup. Boyd’s promotion from the bench, Lloyd’s return after concussion protocols and McMillan’s milestone appearance give the match added weight before the final stretch of the tournament.
The selection leaves Scotland with a revised starting XV and fresh combinations in key spots, but the spine of Nelson, Brebner-Holden, Smith and Rollie remains in place. Against France, that balance will be the test at Hive Stadium.
