Scotland seeking timely boost

Melrose centre Gillian Inglis and Murrayfield Wanderers stand-off Lisa Martin return to the squad after long-term injury while there's a first call-up for Hillhead Jordanhill second row Samantha Beal.

The FIRA-AER qualifier, which takes place from 20-27 April in Madrid, gives Scotland a second chance to stake their place in next year's tournament after missing out on qualification during this year's 6 Nations, where the two available places went to Ireland and Wales, England and France already having qualified.

Six teams take part in the Madrid qualifier from which two will proceed to the World Cup. Scotland are drawn in Pool B, alongside Samoa and Spain, and will play teams in the opposing Pool A, namely the Netherlands, Sweden and Italy.

Italy start the tournament as favourites and qualification would provide a very timely boost for Scotland, where the women's game is undergoing a majorreview following a tough few 6 Nations campaigns.

Head coach Karen Findlay said: "We've selected as strong a squad as we can. It's exciting to have some new faces return who, through injury, were out during the 6 Nations. They've come good at the right time and that adds depth to the backline choices.

"All involved realise the implications of the three matches that lie ahead, are very much focussed on doing all we can to secure World Cup qualification and we hope everyone gets behind the squad."

Scotland Women squad for FIRA-AER Women's Rugby World Cup qualifier, 20-27 April, Madrid

Forwards: Tracy Balmer (Worcester), Samantha Beal (Hillhead Jordanhill), Susie Brown (Richmond)Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers), Tess Forsberg (Richmond), Jade Konkel (Hillhead Jordanhill), Heather Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill), Suzanne McKerlie-Hex (Murrayfield Wanderers), Nikki McLeod (Morgan), Bridget Millar-Mills (Worcester), Becca Parker (Hillhead Jordanhill), Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers), Kelly Shields (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lindsey Smith (Hillhead Jordanhill), Lindsay Wheeler (Richmond)

Backs: Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars), Sarah Dixon (RHC Cougars), Megan Gaffney (Hillhead Jordanhill), Katy Green (Darlington Mowden Park), Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars), Gillian Inglis (Melrose), Sarah Law (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lyndsay O'Donnell (Worcester), Annabel Sergeant (Richmond), Laura Steven (Murrayfield Wanderers)