Former Inverness Craig Dunain player to start for Scotland against Wales

FORMER Inverness Craig Dunain player Jade Konkel has been named in the starting line up for Scotland to face Wales on Sunday.

The 25-year-old will play at number eight and is scheduled to win her 39th international cap in Scotland's first autumn test at Scotstoun in Glasgow.

After making her international debut in 2013 against England, the former Fortrose Academy pupil has scored nine tries during her international career.

Konkel, who plays for English club Harlequins, was one of 10 players to receive a 2021 contract for the 2019/20 season from the Scottish Rugby Union that will provide financial support to enable her to train and play professionally.

The aim of the contracts is to help Scotland qualify for the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Scotland have failed to qualify for the last two World Cup tournaments in France in 2014 and Ireland in 2017.

Konkel played for Hillhead Jordanhill in Glasgow when she became Scottish Rugby's first full-time female player in the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy in 2016.

Konkel joined French club Lille Metropole Rugby Club Villeneuvois in the 2017/18 season.

Scotland will also play Japan at Scotstoun on Sunday, November 24.

Konkel was also part of the Scotland team which recorded a 2–0 series win in South Africa during September and October.

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