The women who rescued the rugby world cup

In 1994, the Scotland women’s rugby team faced a major setback when the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the Netherlands was canceled just three months before the tournament. The host nation had pulled out due to a dispute with the world rugby authorities, leaving the Scottish team devastated.

However, instead of giving up, the Scotland women’s team decided to take matters into their own hands. They organized the tournament themselves, renaming it the World Championships. Despite being a relatively new team with only two international matches under their belt, they were determined to make the most of this opportunity.

Led by captain Kim Littlejohn and team administrator Sue Brodie, the Scotland women’s team rallied the support of the rugby community and local businesses to make the tournament a reality. Teams from around the world traveled to Edinburgh to compete, with the Scottish players experiencing a level of support and enthusiasm they had never seen before.

The tournament ended with England emerging as champions, but the Scotland team finished a commendable fifth, winning the “shield” competition for teams knocked out in the quarter-finals. The event left a lasting impact on women’s rugby in Scotland, inspiring more women to get involved in the sport.

Now, 30 years later, a stage play called “90 Days” is premiering in Edinburgh, telling the inspiring story of how the Scotland women’s team defied the odds and organized a successful tournament against all odds. The legacy of their determination and passion continues to inspire a new generation of female rugby players in Scotland.