OL Spotlight - Francesca McGhie (2019)
OL Spotlight - Francesca McGhie (2019)
Thursday 29th June 2023
For this OL Spotlight we're delighted to feature Francesca McGhie (2019), who recently received her first international cap for Scotland women's national rugby union team.Q1. What ignited your passion
for rugby?
"Being a Sports Scholar at Loretto, I enjoyed the opportunity to play so many sports; hockey, cricket and lacrosse to name a few.
I was also a dancer at the Royal Conservatoire but when I was 15, I felt my passion was in sport. I attended an East Lothian & Borders Girls rugby session at Preston Pans and enjoyed the connection with a new team. I played for them for a Season before joining Watsonian Women, where my love for the sport really grew.
Rugby was in our DNA as a family. My parents were avid supporters and my brother represented Scotland at u20s and is a Semi Pro Rugby Player in the SRU Super Series."Q2. How does it feel to represent
your country?"Initially being selected for the wider training squad was a wonderful surprise. It was an incredible feeling, to be amongst the women who represented Scotland.
When I was then selected to start in the first match of the 6N against England, it was daunting and exciting in equal measure. It was the Red Roses Captain’s last match at her home ground so the atmosphere was electric.
Singing the national anthem was awesome. Being there representing your Country is such an Honour with an incredible sense of pride and achievement. Looking into the crowd and feeling their support is everything."Q3. What's next for you?"I’ve signed a professional contract in England to play in the top tier, Premiership Women’s Rugby.
And Scotland Women are in competing in the new women’s international 15s, WXV, in South Africa in October which is another opportunity for selection."Francesca's time at Loretto:"Loretto gave me the most amazing platform to follow
my dreams. Loretto is a
family to me with the best memories with great
friends.I have worked as GAP
student at the Junior School for
the past 18 months and as a young
member of staff I have enjoyed the same support and encouragement from the Loretto family as I did as a pupil."To read more about Francesca's career, head to https://scottishrugby.org/teams/scotland-women/francesca-mcghie/