Excitement is still there for ‘proud’ Dalgliesh as she wins her 50th cap

Scotland Women’s scrum-half Louise Dalgliesh will be the proudest person at Hawthornden tomorrow afternoon when she runs out for her 50th cap against a mighty English outfit.

RHC Cougars’ Dalgliesh has seen many players come and go over the last few years since she made her debut in 2003, but she still loves pulling on the blue jersey and will start at No 9 in the RBS Six Nations opener at Lasswade’s ground.

“I am really proud to have reached this milestone and I am looking forward to the occasion and gaining a few more caps throughout the event.

“After last year’s Six Nations I did think about retirement, but the work we have done in the last year to improve standards and create a buzz about the squad made me stay on and these are exciting times with good young players coming through,” the 30-year-old said.

The Scots’ will be without captain Susie Brown, the back-row still nursing a slight injury meaning that Worcester’s prop Tracy Balmer is given that honour.

Head coach Karen Findlay has made three changes from the side that lost to Italy last March to end a disappointing event when they lost all five matches.

She has brought in Sarah Dixon, on the wing while Sarah Quick and Ruth Slaven are in the pack.