Scotland's Chaotic World Cup Buildup Threatens to Derail Campaign

As the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup approaches, Scotland's campaign has been overshadowed by a series of off-field challenges. In the weeks leading up to the tournament, a dispute between the playing squad and Scottish Rugby over player contracts has played out publicly, with more than half of the 32-player squad left without contracts after the World Cup.

The impending departure of head coach Bryan Easson, who announced his exit immediately after the World Cup, has also caused rancor among the players. Captain Rachel Malcolm described the situation as "very disruptive" and felt the players had been put in an "unfair position."

Despite the turmoil, Scotland is determined to right the wrongs of their painful pool stage exit at the 2022 World Cup. The team, now ranked fifth in the world, is eager to prove their worth on the global stage. However, the off-field issues have taken a toll, with Malcolm admitting that the situation has "weighed on" her and the entire squad.

As the 2025 World Cup kicks off, Scotland will be looking to channel their frustrations into a strong performance, starting with a crucial opening match against Wales. The team's ability to overcome the distractions and focus on the rugby will be crucial to their success in the tournament.