Scotland Women Six Nations squad named as Sione Fukofuka recalls 28y/o from international wilderness

Birkmyre and Hillhead Jordanhill product McMillan made her debut back in 2016 versus Spain and her last appearance came versus Australia in the WXV competition in late 2024.

When she missed out on Rugby World Cup selection last year she said, “I hope this isn’t the end, but I’m also self-aware to read the writing on the wall”, and many thought she may retire from the international scene.

However, with Bryan Easson having been replaced by Sione Fukofuka as head coach and the 28-year-old second-row in great form for Saracens in the English top flight, McMillan is back in the mix.

“I think if you know Louise then you know that she's pretty passionate about Scotland,” Fukofuka said. “We wanted to explore all players that have represented Scotland over the last 12 to 18 months.

“With Louise in particular the opportunity to have a conversation with her and explore whether or not she would be open to being considered for selection was a really positive one.

“We've been tracking her performances with Saracens and we're pretty confident that she's going to add value to the squad.”

Australian Fukofuka has selected 38 players - 31 core players and seven development ones - that will meet up for training from March 31 ahead of the big event beginning on April 11 when the Scots head to Cardiff to take on Wales in the Principality Stadium.

Of the 31 core players, McMillan, fellow second-row Hollie Cunningham, winger Shona Campbell, centre Rachel Philipps, back three player Lucia Scott and stand-off/centre Meryl Smith were not at last year's World Cup in England for various reasons.

The group is once again captained by back-row Rachel Malcolm, but her fellow experienced campaigners Sarah Bonar and Lisa Thomson are not included as they are injured with only the latter having any hope of making it back to play later in the tournament that runs until March 17.

Uncapped group Holland Bogan, Emily Coubrough, Poppy Fletcher, Imogen Spence, Aicha Sutcliffe, Ceitidh Ainsworth and Rianna Darroch are the seven development players.

Scotland Women Six Nations training squad:

Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Holland Bogan, Becky Boyd, Elliann Clarke, Emily Coubrough, Hollie Cunningham, Eva Donaldson, Poppy Fletcher, Evie Gallagher, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Louise McMillan, Molly Poolman, Aila Ronald, Lana Skeldon, Imogen Spence, Alex Stewart, Aicha Sutcliffe, Emma Wassell, Anne Young.

Backs: Ceitidh Ainsworth, Leia Brebner-Holden, Shona Campbell, Rhea Clarke, Rianna Darroch, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Rachel Philipps, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Lucia Scott, Meryl Smith, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills.