Kennedy caps it all for Scots

DONNA KENNEDY today set sights on a minimum of two more years women’s international rugby with Scotland after being honoured as the world’s most capped player.

In naming the Royal High/Corstorphine utility player in the squad which begins the defence of the European title in France later this month officials noted how Kennedy, by gaining a 74th Scotland cap last time out, had overtaken England’s Gill Burns as global pacesetter.

"I’m thrilled to have achieved such a landmark after starting with a win over Ireland back in 1993 and hope to go on for a while yet as part of a successful Scotland side," said the 32-year-old account manager with veterinary supplies firm Genusxpress.

She added: "It is a huge buzz to be involved at this time when the women’s team can now play Cup Finals on the main Murrayfield international pitch and have back up from a full-time development officer, Beth McLeod - situations which were undreamt of when I started out as a 19-year-old with Biggar."

At one stage Kennedy left Scotland to pursue her career with Leeds but she insisted: "Despite having some of the best coaching ever at Leeds through ex-Scotland mentor Steve Jew I am fully committed to remaining at home now because of the growth in standards.

"Hopefully this will be shown in the European Championships when the aim is to bounce back from a disappointing Six Nations as our exciting new playing structure begins to pay dividends."

Scotland’s women squad for the European Rugby Championship from April 28 to May 9: Backs: P Chalmers, L Millard, R Shepherd, R Petlevannaya (all Murrayfield Wands.), L Dalgliesh, V Fitzpatrick, R Homer, G Stewart (all Royal High/Corstorphine), M-P Tierney (Watsonians), C Ovenden (Richmond), A Newall (GHA), K Davies (Hillhead/Jordanhill). Forwards: A Christie, L Cockburn, D Kennedy, L Reid (all Royal High/Corstorphine), K Findlay (Richmond), G McCord, K Tonge, I Frickleton (all Watsonians), C Lane (Novocastrians), L O’Keefe (Richmond), K Wilkinson (Hillhead/Jordanhill), S Watt (Supermarine), B McLeod, C Muir (both Murrayfield Wands.). Stand by - S Brown (Hillhead/Jordanhill).

Fixtures: v Sweden (May 2). Semi-finals: May 5. Finals: May 8.