Helen Nelson Leads Scotland Changes for Ireland W6n Finale
Scotland Women made two changes to their XV for the w6n finale against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 17 May, with Helen Nelson set to captain the side at 2.30pm. Sione Fukofuka’s selection also keeps the matchday 23 balanced with a five-three split on the bench.
Nelson Keeps the Armband
Nelson will captain Scotland once more, while Emma Wassell starts in the second row as vice-captain. The front row remains intact from the previous weekend’s visit of France, giving Scotland continuity where the pack has already been set for the final match of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Leah Bartlett starts at loosehead prop, Elis Martin is at hooker and Elliann Clarke continues at tighthead prop throughout the championship. Louise McMillan also makes back-to-back starts in the second row, with Becky Boyd at blindside flanker and Eva Donaldson at openside flanker completing the forward pack behind them.
Coubrough Returns at Number Eight
Emily Coubrough comes in at number eight for her fourth appearance of the campaign, one of the two changes Fukofuka has made to the XV. Shona Campbell also returns on the left wing, giving Scotland a different look at the back of the scrum and out wide without breaking from the core of the side used through the tournament.
Rachel Philipps starts at outside centre after scoring two tries on her first start for Scotland, and Meryl Smith goes again at inside centre for her fifth start from five in this year’s Six Nations. Leia Brebner-Holden and Helen Nelson form the half-back pairing, Rhona Lloyd is on the right wing and Chloe Rollie starts at full-back.
Scotland’s Matchday 23
The replacements are split five-three between forwards and backs, with Aicha Sutcliffe keeping her place in the matchday squad after scoring a try on her Scotland debut. Coreen Grant comes into the matchday 23 for the first time this championship, adding another option for a side that has kept the same captain and vice-captain pairing for the Aviva Stadium trip.
iPlayer will carry the match live, and Scotland go into it with the line-up set for their final outing of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
