WOMAN'S RUGBY: Lee set to celebrate in style

ROYAL HIGH captain Lee Cockburn is set to celebrate her 60th appearance for Scotland in style as the milestone will be marked by the historic occasion when the Scottish women’s rugby side play on the main pitch at the National Stadium for the first time tomorrow.

Cockburn looked doubtful for the clash with Sweden (noon kick-off) but has recovered from an Achilles’ injury in the nick of time.

"The physiotherapy I’ve been receiving has done me the world of good and now I’m really looking forward to the game," said Cockburn.

New coach Gilmour Stevenson has included three Royal High players in his starting XV, Cockburn being joined by Donna Kennedy and Gill Gibbon.

The side contains three new caps, Watsonians’ Sarah Mears one of them.

"I’m really looking forward to the game but feel nervous at the same time," said Mears. "With so much experience and talent around me, I am scared that I let them down in some way."

Included in the Swedish side are Annika Pettersson and Johanna Saveros, both of whom had a season with Murrayfield Wanderers after staying in Scotland after the last international between the countries.

The Scots won 13-3 on that occasion and Barbara Wilson, the administration manager for women’s rugby in Scotland, is hoping for another home triumph tomorrow.

"There were a few retirals after the World Cup, which always happens," she said. "But we have three new caps playing for us tomorrow and the new coaching staff believe this to be the strongest squad they can bring together."