Scotland Women face a busy autumn schedule with no less than three crunch tries ahead of the Women’s Six Nations in February.
The tests present a perfect opportunity to refine the player’s skills and improve ahead of the busy qualification period for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2021.
First the Scotland squad travel to Calvisano to play Italy on Sunday 4 November where Shade Munro’s side will be hoping to exact revenge for the 26-12 Six Nations defeat in March.
Scotland will be looking for an improved performance after Italy took a 19-0 half-time advantage with tries from Melissa Bettoni, Maria Magatti and Giada Franco last time out.
And the squad return at the end of the month for a marquee fixture against Canada Women on Tuesday 27 November as part of a celebration of women and girls’ rugby at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.
In what will be the sixth meeting between the two nations, Scotland have only previously claimed one victory over the world number four ranked side, with an 11-5 win back in 1994.
And Scotland then face Spain on Sunday 20 January in a repeat of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 qualifier that saw Spain narrowly triumph over two legs.
With those first two challenging fixtures rapidly approaching, head coach Munro is hoping his side can learn from facing off against two difficult opponents.
“To progress as a team, it’s vital we test ourselves against some of the best sides in the world and play more quality sides, more frequently,” he said.
“Increasing our game time means we can continue to shape this hard-working and exciting group of players as we build towards the Six Nations and, ultimately, qualification for the World Cup.
“Canada have shown time and again they can compete at the highest level and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to Scotstoun this November.
“Similarly, we know Italy and Spain very well and the stern challenge we are going to get from them, especially away from home.”
