Scotland’s Lisa Thomson ‘gutted’ by defeat to Ireland

Scotland centre Lisa Thomson was left “absolutely gutted” by the narrow loss in Ireland that cost her side a third-place Six Nations finish and a spot in WXV1.

Bryan Easson’s side finished the championship fourth with nine points after wins over Wales and Italy, with their other defeats coming against top two England and France.

“We’ve not been pleased with our performances throughout the Six Nations but we’ve been finding a way to win,” said Thomson.

“We didn’t do that here [in Belfast] and those are the games when everything’s riding on it we need to find a way to win.”

Scotland’s defeat also kept them waiting for World Cup qualification and means they will defend their WXV2 title rather than play in WXV1.

“The championship as a whole would suggest we are moving forward but we wanted to finish it off in a way we deserved,” said head coach Easson.

“Now we have to focus on what we will learn from this championship, move on and look to come back and perform as best as we can. We’ll look forward to going to South Africa, contesting the title and making sure we qualify for the World Cup.

“The depth we have built in this squad and the performances we have put together have been good but our ability to put away opportunities is going to be the point of difference to take us to the next level.”