Helen and Katie take flight as Rugby World Cup looms large

Lochaber rugby duo Helen Nelson and Katie Dougan have been included in Bryan Easson's 32-player squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2021 - rescheduled as a result of Covid - in New Zealand.

 

"attachment_591867" "" "300"] Katie Dougan warms up with the Scotland squad before a Women's Six Nations tie between Scotland and France at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 25, 2020. Photograph: Bill Murray/SNS Group).

 

Helen, from Glencoe, and Fort William's Katie left for the Land of the Long White Cloud last Friday, September 23, ahead of their first pool match against Wales on Sunday October 9 at Northland Event Centre, Whangarei. Kick-off 5.45pm New Zealand time, 5.45am UK time.

 

The side then face fellow Pool A opponents Australia on Saturday October 15, kick-off 3pm New Zealand time, 3am UK time, before taking on reigning champions and hosts New Zealand on Saturday October 22, kick-off 4.45pm New Zealand time, 4.45am UK time.

 

As vice-captain, Helen will support captain Rachel Malcolm with her leadership role.

 

On announcing his squad, Bryan Easson said: 'Rachel and Helen are good leaders and well respected by the group. They speak incredibly well on and off the field.

 

'We’ve worked hard to try to grow leaders throughout the squad and to have Rachel and Helen leading the group is fantastic.'

 

Helen has 43 Scotland caps while Katie has 16 to her name.

 

Photographs

 

NO_F11_HelenNelson (March 2021): Helen Nelson in action for Scotland during the Women's Six Nations tie between Scotland and France at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 25, 2020. Photograph: Bill Murray/SNS Group.

 

NO F43 Katie Dougan (October 2021): Katie Dougan warms up with the Scotland squad before a Women's Six Nations tie between Scotland and France at Scotstoun Stadium, on October 25, 2020. Photograph: Bill Murray/SNS Group.