More to come from Rachel Philipps after try double on home Scotland debut

The former Biggar and Watsonians back played a crucial role in helping Sione Fukofuka’s side earn a bonus point in the 28-69 loss. Crossing the line twice in the first half kept the hosts in the contest before the French ran away to a comfortable victory after the break.

Despite the loss there were plenty of positives to take out of the performance where they scored the most points they ever have in a single match against France. On a personal level, Philipps is hoping to continue to show out in a Scotland shirt after making her home debut.

“My first start and my first home game,” said Philipps. “We felt really clear with what we wanted to do and attack the first half and I felt like when we were in the right places, territory-wise, we did execute really well.

“That really let us grow into the game and keep that positivity when we were in the 22 we were converting. I think that this week I've been really supported by all of the backs and especially Nelly [Helen Nelson] and Meryl.

“They've been really clear on kind of my role within the team and I felt like this whole week we'd been prepping really well and we'd had really good contact days that all of the rest of the squad have been preparing us for, with that double hit that France do get. So we felt good going into that game that we could front up physically.”

Philipps previously moved down south where she played with Sale Sharks while balancing a career as a teacher. A move back to Edinburgh allowed her to be more in the focus of the Scotland national team having missed the Rugby World Cup through injury. She will hope to add to her cap tally against Ireland in the W6N finale next weekend.

“I had been signed with Sale for the first half of the season and made the decision to come back up to play in the Celtic Challenge,” she added. “Get some game time, also returning to my previous coach, Claire Cruickshank, just to build up and also for the opportunity for Sione to actually see me play.

“I think that was really pivotal in feeling like I was still progressing. It was definitely tough missing out on the World Cup with my knee, but I do think that I've used this season to really grow and I'm definitely in a much better place now than I was pre-World Cup.

“I was teaching last year, but now on a full-time contract that starts in July. I've been really well supported with Sale and then also coming up to Edinburgh. They've been really good at working between the two clubs and I feel like they made what I wanted to do possible with coming home as well.”

Philipps two tries against the French came off her powerful running from midfield as she battered through the visiting defence with pace and strength. “I do love running a line,” added Philipps. “It's one of my favourite things to do.

“Ever since I've started rugby, I've always been one of the taller centres and to use that as my advantage has always been pretty handy.”

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