Scrum-half Rhea Clarke will make her first starting appearance for Scotland as they begin their WXV Series campaign with a match against Canada in Edinburgh on Saturday. The game, which kicks off at 16:10 BST, will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer. This will be Scotland’s first match in the WXV Series, a new international rugby competition for women, designed to promote the sport globally. Evie Gallagher returns to the team on the openside flank, making her first appearance since last year’s World Cup. She will join captain Rachel Malcolm, who leads the team from the blindside flank, with Becky Boyd taking on the number eight position. In the back three, Shona Campbell will line up on the left wing, alongside the experienced Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie. The team’s fly-half position will be filled by Glasgow’s Ceitidh Ainsworth, and full-back Katie Buchanan from Exeter, both of whom are yet to make their international debuts. Interim head coach Dave Butcher has selected a strong bench, including second row Adelle Ferrie, who has stepped in for the injured Alex Stewart. Other replacements include Ainsworth and Buchanan, who will provide depth in key positions. The squad has been carefully chosen to balance experience with fresh talent, aiming to build momentum as Scotland prepare for upcoming Tests against New Zealand and Australia. Canada, the team Scotland will face, are strong opponents with a record of seven wins in eight encounters against Scotland, including a 40-19 victory in the group stage of the World Cup last September. This match will be crucial for Scotland as they look to make a strong start in the WXV Series and set the tone for the rest of their international fixtures.