THE FUSE

Twenty-one members of Scotland's Women's Rugby World Cup squad, including captain Rachel Malcolm, are among 35 players given contracts by Scottish Rugby.

The senior internationals who helped Scotland reach the World Cup quarter-finals include Bristol Bears' Elliann Clarke, Evie Gallagher, Emma Orr, Lana Skeldon and Meryl Smith, plus Trailfinders' Malcolm, Francesca McGhie, Lisa Thomson and Emma Wassell.

Also, Harlequins' Sarah Bonar, Loughborough Lightning's Leia Brebner-Holden, Elis Martin, Helen Nelson and Anne Young, Rachel McLachlan of Montpellier, Sale Sharks' Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie of Toulon are given deals.

And Scottish-based internationals Adelle Ferrie, Molly Poolman, Hannay Ramsay, Alex Stewart as well as uncapped Hannah Walker receive contracts too.

Bristol's Meryl Smith, who was not part of the World Cup squad, is also given a full contract.

Malcolm had said uncertainty over players' futures had been "very disruptive" before the World Cup.

Having reached the last eight for the first time since 2002, experienced trio Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel and Caity Mattinson announced their international retirement, with Konkel saying the team had reached the last eight "through no help of the SRU".

Scotland women, who are without a head coach following Bryan Easson's departure, are next scheduled to play in April and May's Six Nations.

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Scottish Rugby said those "selected for Scotland women are remunerated separately through the national team agreement", which "is in addition to any Scottish Rugby support they may receive".

And the union explained: "This means players, regardless of whether they are supported by Scottish Rugby or not, are paid for the time in camp preparing for Test matches - and match fees if selected to play."

Other Scottish-based players supported include Holland Bogan, Emily Coubrough, Nicole Flynn, Merryn Gunderson, Emily Norval and Aila Ronald.

The Scottish-based players are connected to club sides and the women's teams of Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

Poppy Fletcher, Poppy Mellanby and Imogen Spence, of the University of Edinburgh, Heriot's Rugby's Megan Hyland, Talei Tawake of Watsonians and Stirling County duo Ceitidh Ainsworthand Sky Phimister are listed as being on "development" support.

Managing director of women's rugby Gemma Fay said: "Securing the financial commitment to expand the number of supported players is a clear sign of Scottish Rugby's belief in the potential of this group and the future of the game, particularly as we begin a new Rugby World Cup cycle.

"We're focused on creating the right environments locally in Scotland where players can train, play and recover at a high level"

Performance director David Nucifora added: "It's important that we make a prompt and purposeful start to the new Rugby World Cup programme. Performance is all about decision making and the process to identify players for support reflects that. These decisions are made carefully and with the future in mind.

"The door remains open for Scotland selection; contracts are just one part of the picture. These one-year contracts allow us to give younger players the opportunity to grow, as well as flexibility as the women's game evolves.

"The Celtic Challenge will be a key part of that and we're now focused on putting the right people and structures in place to ensure both teams can perform and develop successfully."

The Celtic Challenge, featuring Edinburgh and Glasgow, takes place from December through March.