Scottish World Cup squad named

The 26-player squad mixes experienced and newer faces with the 110 cap veteran Donna Kennedy included as well as the recently capped Katy Green who made her debut against South Africa last week.

Victoria Blakebrough is one of the better known names to miss out inclusion in the squad despite having been heavily involved in this year's 6 Nations campaign.

Scotland head coach, Gary Parker, said: "There was a lot of debate and much time taken to make sure we got the squad right.

"One or two new players have earned selection, adding to the already intense competition for places. We were really keen for versatility behind the scrum - when you're limited to a small squad you're looking for those who can play two or three positions."

It's been a tough season for Scotland following the high of beating France in their first game of the year in February. Although they drew with Italy the Scots haven't won a game since with losses to England, Ireland and Wales as well as a two-test series loss to South Africa.

Like most squads though, Scotland have been mixing and matching their combinations and Parker has been happy with progress and the increased strength in depth of the potential squad.

He said: "Katy Green, for example, played really well against South Africa. She's been training very hard and I'm full of admiration for her work ethic. And Suzi Newton is back after a long-term injury - she's a quality international player."

Victoria Blakebrough is one of the better known names to miss out includion in the squad despite having been heavily involved in this year's 6 Nations campaign.

Scotland take on Ireland in a non-cap encounter on Sunday 18 July (at Lasswade, kick-off 1pm, entry free) as final preparation for the World Cup and pool encounters with France, Sweden and Canada.

Parker added: "It's going to be a huge ask against these teams, with France and Canada in the top six in the world.

"We may have beaten France earlier this year but that means nothing now. In my playing days, I was fortunate to be part of an under-19 side that beat France - three months later, we played them in the World Cup and lost 69-0. What happened in February doesn't mean a thing!"

Scotland Women Rugby World Cup squad

Alison Macdonald (RHC Cougars)Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers)Celia Hawthorn (Edinburgh University)Donna Kennedy (Worcester)Erin Kerr (London Wasps)Gillian McCord (RHC Cougars)Heather Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill)Katy Green (Murrayfield Wanderers)Keri Holdsworth (Watsonians)Lindsay Wheeler (Darlington Mowden Sharks)Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars)Louise Moffat (Murrayfield Wanderers)Lucy Millard (Team Northumbria)Lynne Reid (RHC Cougars)Lynsey Douglas (London Wasps)Nicola Halfpenny (Melrose)Rosalind Murphy (Edinburgh University)Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers)Sarah Gill (Murrayfield Wanderers)Sarah-Louise Walker (Watsonians)Stephanie Johnston (Hillhead Jordanhill)Susannah Brown (Richmond)Suzi Newton (Team Northumbria)Tess Forsberg (Murrayfield Wanderers)Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars)Veronica Fitzpatrick (RHC Cougars)