Francesca McGhie - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Five Trailfinders Women have been selected in Scotland’s 2025 World Cup squad.

Blindside Flanker and recent signing Rachel Malcolm will captain the side who will play in Pool B of the competition.

Alongside Malcolm in the forwards is second rower and former Loughborough Lightening teammate Emma Wassell. Wassell, who has recently become a Trailfinder, has made her way back to international rugby after recovering from a benign tumour in her chest last September.

In the backs, three Trailfinders Women will be flying the flag for Scotland: Caity Mattinson, Lisa Thomson, and recent signing Francesca McGhie.

Scrum-half Mattinson, who signed for Trailfinders in July 2024, debuted for her country back in 2021 during the Rugby World Cup Qualification Tournament against Colombia and will be looking to add to her 33 international caps.

In the backline, Thomson and rising star McGhie will be bringing their talents to English soil. McGhie will make her Rugby World Cup debut after her rapid climb through the Scottish ranks.

In 2024, both Thomson and McGhie were recognised as trailblazers of the game alongside Donna Kennedy. The two Trailfinders, alongside Kennedy, had sustainable statues of them unveiled in Edinburgh, representing the past, present and future of women’s rugby in Scotland.

Former Trailfinder Chloe Rollie will also feature in the Scottish squad.

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Francesca McGhie, one of Scotland’s most exciting young talents.

A 22-year-old from Edinburgh, McGhie is renowned for her blistering pace and sharp footwork. Comfortable anywhere across the back three, she brings a dynamic attacking threat to Trailfinders Women.

After securing the Tennent’s Premiership with Watsonians in the 2022-23 season, McGhie’s rapid rise saw her nominated for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2023. She then went on to join Leicester Tigers ahead of their inaugural campaign in Premiership Women’s Rugby, where she has continued her impressive ascension in the sport.

On the international stage, McGhie has already made a significant impact, earning 22 caps for Scotland since making her debut in the 2023 Six Nations against England at Kingston Park, scoring 10 tries along the way.

McGhie started every game for her national side in the 2025 Six Nations, scoring two tries in the tournament – including a last gasp effort in a 26-19 win over Ireland.

Speaking on her move, McGhie said:

“There’s a great ambition here, and there are people and coaches here that I think can add to my game – I feel this is a team I can really develop with. I’m looking forward to joining up with the group and I’m excited to see what we can do together.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Francesca is a hugely exciting talent with incredible potential. She’s already proven herself at the international level, and her speed, agility, and attacking instincts will be a great asset for us. We’re delighted to have her on board.”