RUGBY ace Megan Gaffney is urging her Scotland team-mates to build on recent performances during the Six Nations.

Gaffney was part of the squad that narrowly lost to Spain in a World Cup qualifier in November, meaning they miss out on the showpiece event in Ireland next year.

The 25-year-old, from North Berwick, is hoping the squad can take heart from their performances.

She told Courier Sport: "Spain are ranked a few places above us but we weren't far away from them.

"There were just little things – the last pass or the next ruck – that didn't quite go our way."

The 20-cap winger was, though, keen to stress the improvements made since former Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Shade Munro took over in June 2015.

She sung the praises of Munro, an ex-Scotland cap, and added: "There has been a huge difference.

"He treats us like professionals and we're getting a lot more support from Scottish Rugby as well – we've got an analyst now which means we can review our games, and an S&C [strength and conditioning] coach.

"I think the performances have definitely been better but it's about building on that."

Gaffney, an ex-North Berwick High School pupil now studying at the University of Edinburgh, set her team-mates a target of winning a match during the Six Nations.

The Scots are without a competitive win in almost six years, but Gaffney hopes they will end that run in the upcoming competition.

She added: "Winning is a habit and once we get the first one I think another one or two will follow."