Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Francesca McGhie, the Ballerina Turned Scotland Star

Francesca McGhie admitted she ‘didn’t really know how to play rugby’ when she debuted for Scotland in 2023. Since then, the 22-year-old winger has become one of the sport’s most exciting talents.

At the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, McGhie produced a stunning hat-trick of tries to help Scotland to a commanding Pool B victory over Wales. With matches against Fiji and Canada ahead, Scotland are firmly on course for the knockout stages.

From Ballet to Rugby Stardom

McGhie’s first passion was dance. She trained in ballet and contemporary dance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before taking up rugby at 15. Joining Watsonians in 2019, she helped them win the Premiership in 2023 and earned her first Scotland cap that year.

Her Test debut featured a solo try against Ireland, earning her a World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nomination. In the 2024 Six Nations, she sealed a last-minute win over Ireland, bringing her tally to 13 tries in 23 internationals.

Lauded by Coaches, Teammates and Pundits

• Scotland coach Bryan Easson: “One-on-one, there’s no better finisher in the world.”
• Captain Rachel Malcolm: “She has stamped her mark on the world stage.”
• Former Wales lock Siwan Lillicrap: “Scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup opener shows she is world-class.”

McGhie’s blend of agility, power and composure has transformed her from a novice to Scotland’s standout performer at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

This topic was reported by Www.

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