SUCCESS in Hungary for a North Berwick rugby star last month could be the end of her international career.
Megan Gaffney was part of the squad that won the Rugby Europe Women’s 7s trophy, alongside another county star Liz Musgrove.
But she is now set to take a break from the game.
Gaffney, 25, hailed last month’s triumph as “the perfect end to a fabulous season”, with sevens wins in Hungary and the Czech Republic following two wins in the Six Nations – victory over Wales ended a seven-year wait for a win.
Although there was disappointment – Gaffney and co missed out on the Women’s World Cup after play-off heartbreak against Spain – she won the BUCS Championship final with the University of Edinburgh, beating Northumbria University at Twickenham. Gaffney was also named player of the match as the university side stormed to the Scottish Varsity title.
The North Berwick starlet is, though, about to finish her studies – an MSc in sports policy, management and international development – and she told Courier Sport about her future plans.
She said: “I’m going to Australia and New Zealand in October for a bit of travelling.
“I’m also planning to work – I’ve not got too much of a plan once I get there but it makes a nice change to not have massive commitments.”
And after earning 10 caps for the national 7s team and 25 in her XVs career, she reflected on her time involved with the squad.
The former North Berwick High School pupil added: “I’ve been involved in the Scotland set-up for eight years now and, although it’s given me opportunities I never thought I’d get, it’s also meant I’ve had to put other plans on hold.
“I’ve always wanted to live and work in another country and now with finishing my masters it seems like the right time.
“I’d never say never to going back but for now that’s me done, and if this was my final season in a Scotland jersey it was a blooming good one to finish on.”
Gaffney, who works at Nether Abbey in North Berwick, was proud of this season’s achievements.
She added: “We’re still very disappointed not to be going to the World Cup, especially as the media coverage is beginning to ramp up and it still stings to hear about the other teams’ preparations.
“But I think this 7s season has backed up our results from the Six Nations proving that we are capable of playing at that the top level
“It’s been an absolutely outstanding season. We proved to ourselves and others what we are capable of and will only keep improving.”
While she will most likely be watching on from afar when the Six Nations rolls round early next year, Gaffney urged her colleagues to build on this season’s results.
“It’s important to get more wins under our belt next season to back up what we’ve achieved this year,” she said.
And for now, and the foreseeable future, rugby will take a break from the forefront of the 25-year-old’s thoughts.
“I’ve got my masters dissertation to hand in just over two weeks so all my focus will be in that and then hopefully when that’s sent off I’ll have some time to chill out,” Gaffney said. “Then, I’ll be off to Australia. I really can’t wait.”
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