WINGER Francesca McGhie has narrowly missed out on a prestigious award after enjoying a meteoric 12 months.

The Scotland star made her debut against England during this year’s TikTok Women’s Six Nations.

Since then, the 20-year-old has started in every game in her nine appearances for the side, crossing the whitewash against Ireland, Spain and USA.

Those appearances led to her being nominated for the World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award, which was won by New Zealand outside-back Katelyn Vahaakolo.

Speaking about being up for the award, McGhie, whose brother Kyle has been capped for Scotland’s under-20s side, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to receive this nomination and to be considered for this award alongside some fantastic players.

“Scotland Women’s rugby has made huge progress and winning the WXV 2 is testament to that. I really feel we have a special group of players and coaches who can take the team to new heights.

“It’s a very exciting time to be part of this and I can’t wait to pull on the jersey again.”

A pupil of Loretto School and George Watson’s College, McGhie started playing rugby in 2018 for East Lothian and Borders Girls based at Preston Lodge, before joining Watsonians Rugby Club in 2019.

The speedy winger helped her club side to victory in the Tennent’s Premiership in 2022 and the Sarah Beaney Cup a season later, and was a standout performer for The Thistles in the inaugural Celtic Challenge competition in 2023.