Konkel makes full Quins return: Scotland Women’s Squad Watch

There were plenty of Scots in action in Premiership Women’s Rugby over the weekend as Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears confirmed their place in the competition’s play-off semi-finals.

Jade Konkel made her full return to league rugby for Harlequins as she captained her side to a 47-12 win over Leicester Tigers at The Stoop.

The former Scotland captain returned from injury a few weeks ago in the Allianz Cup, having missed the entire Six Nations campaign, and played 70 minutes.

There were more Scots in the losing line-up, with winger Francesca McGhie grabbing two tries for the visitors. The usual front-row of Leah Bartlett, Elis Martin, and Lisa Cockburn packed down, with Eva Donaldson behind them in the second row.

Rachel McLachlan also returned to action for Sale Sharks, as they fell to a 54-21 loss against Saracens. The Scotland openside has missed most of the PWR season with an ankle injury but returned to fitness during the Six Nations to come off the bench for Scotland.

Sarah Law also made a rare start at fly-half, with Molly Wright starting at loosehead prop. Fellow Scots Anne Young and Mhairi Grieve came off the bench.

Fi McIntosh, fresh from her Scotland debut, started in the second row with Coreen Grant on the wing. Louise McMillan and Isla Alejandro were among the subs.

Eilidh Sinclair was in try-scoring form again as Exeter Chiefs beat Trailfinders 40-10 to secure a top-four finish. She started on the wing, alongside loosehead Demi Swann – who helped set up Exeter’s final try with a fine carry. Liz Muzgrove started on the wing for the losing hosts.

Finally, Loughborough Lightning’s loss to Gloucester-Hartpury confirmed Bristol Bears’ place in the top four.

Helen Nelson started at fly-half for Lightning, with Emma Wassell at second-row and Rachel Malcolm captaining from blindside.