Scotland return to the fray in Women's Six Nations after eight-month lay-off

After an eight-month hiatus, Scotland return to action in the Women’s Six Nations with a tough looking match against France at Scotstoun on Sunday.

Prop Megan Kennedy is back from injury for Scotland. Picture: Ross MacDonald/SNS

The Scots last played on 10 February when they suffered a bruising 53-0 defeat at the hands of England at BT Murrayfield.

A return to the tighter confines of the Glasgow ground might suit Bryan Easson’s side in the first of three Six Nations matches to be played over the next couple of weeks.

Scotland had been due to play France on 7 March but the game was called off the night before after a home player contracted coronavirus. The sport was then shut down for months.

Easson has replaced Philip Doyle as head coach in the interim and expects the French to pose a difficult test.

“France are a physical, combative side who will look to exploit any opportunity they can get, so we are focused on getting off to a positive start and using this opportunity to test ourselves under pressure,” Easson said.

Megan Kennedy and Abi Evans are back from injury for Scotland who give a debut to Stirling County winger Rachel Shankland. Prop Kennedy will start while Evans has been named among the replacements.