BREAKOUT star Francesca McGhie has been named in an extended training squad ahead of the Six Nations getting under way.

Scotland have named a 34-woman squad, which comprises 18 forwards and 16 backs, ahead of a training camp on Monday.

Seven uncapped players have been named in Bryan Easson’s squad ahead of the tournament, which gets started on March 23.

Twelve months ago, McGhie, of Musselburgh, was an uncapped member of the squad but she has since gone on to make a real impression for the national team.

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The former Loretto School pupil made her international debut in Scotland’s opening match against England and has gone on to score three tries in nine caps.

The 20-year-old winger started playing rugby in 2018 for East Lothian and Borders Girls, based at Preston Lodge, before joining Watsonians Rugby Club in 2019.

She now plays her club rugby with Leicester Tigers.

Easson said: “After our success in South Africa at WXV2, we are ready to push on with a Six Nations campaign and it’s exciting to be doing this with new faces to the squad and management team.

“The expansion of the Celtic Challenge has helped us identify a number of up-and-coming players who have showcased they deserve a chance to take the next step.”

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Following on from the introduction of 28 professional contracts in December 2022, Scottish Rugby confirmed that 32 contracts have been agreed in the new cycle.

Of the 34-player training squad, 23 players have been awarded professional contracts, with four more granted to Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Evie Wills (Leicester Tigers), Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning) and Liz Musgrove (Ealing Trailfinders).

Musgrove, of North Berwick, is currently unavailable for Scotland duties through injury.