Inside the Contract Wrangle That Stressed Scotland's Women's Rugby World Cup Squad
Scotland's journey to the 2025 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals was marred by off-field turmoil, as contract uncertainties cast a shadow over the team's preparations. Former international Beth Blacklock has opened up about the disruptive negotiations that left some players struggling mentally and financially.
Pre-Tournament Disruption and Contract Uncertainty
In the lead-up to the World Cup, talks between players and the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) created a tense atmosphere. While 32 players were in the squad, only 21 received contracts after the SRU announced increased financial support for 35 players in November last year. The rest, including Blacklock, faced deals ending in October post-tournament, adding stress to their focus.
Captain Rachel Malcolm described these pre-tournament discussions as "disruptive" to preparations. Blacklock, on a developmental contract extended for five months to cover the World Cup, noted that while her mental health remained intact, she witnessed teammates in distress. "There were players who were definitely struggling," she said, highlighting the lack of control over securing contracts and planning for life after the event.
Personal Impact and Retirement Decision
Blacklock, a 28-year-old Saracens centre who played two World Cup games, emphasized the difficulty for those unsure of their post-tournament paths. "Going into a World Cup where you can't necessarily organise the environment you are going to be living in after was definitely stressful for some people," she explained. Her own decision to retire from international rugby post-World Cup was unrelated to the contract situation; she aims to prioritize her career in data engineering and pursue becoming a commercial pilot.
SRU's Response and New Era Under Coaching
The SRU stated that they engaged with players over months, starting in March 2025, to finalize contracts before the tournament. Despite the challenges, Blacklock expresses optimism for Scotland's future under new head coach Sione Fukofuka. After participating in a January camp, she praised his organized approach and the coaching staff's commitment. "It does seem like a very promising step forward," she said, hopeful that the team's potential can be unlocked.
Looking Ahead to the Six Nations and Beyond
As a fan during the 2026 Women's Six Nations, Blacklock enjoyed watching Scotland's comeback win over Wales. The upcoming standalone match against England at Murrayfield, with nearly 30,000 tickets sold, marks a new chapter. She believes the team's pride and national support, combined with improved structures, signal brighter days ahead for Scottish women's rugby.
