Scotland Women's team to turn professional

Fantastic news for Scottish rugby with the announcement that the women’s side is to turn professional this year with 30 players to be handed contracts. 

In addition to this, the SRU is also planning to build two semi-professional club sides. 

The women’s and girls’ rugby scene is set to receive a huge boost in funding with an increase from £1.6m to £4.1m over the next year. 

"We are fully committed to this important and comprehensive strategy. 

"As a core pillar of our business strategy, the breadth and depth of our ambition to grow the women and girls' game is evident and I believe there are exciting times ahead for our sport in this area." 

Targets set by the SRU for the national team over the next four years include: 

• A top-four finish by the 2024 Women's Six Nations 
• A top-eight finish at the 2025 World Cup 
• Attendance at Scotland women's games to increase to 7,000 by 2026. 

The 30 players to contracted will most likely be announced before the Women's RWC in October.