Scotland’s Lana Skeldon Doubtful for Women’s Rugby World Cup After Ireland Injury

Scotland women's rugby hooker Lana Skeldon suffered a significant ankle injury during a warm-up match against Ireland ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup, casting doubt on her participation in the tournament. Skeldon, a key player with 81 caps, was stretchered off after on-field treatment and taken to hospital for further assessment, with an X-ray scheduled to determine the severity. Head coach Bryan Easson emphasized the injury as a pivotal moment that shifted momentum away from Scotland, who had been performing well until her departure. Despite the setback, Skeldon remains in good spirits and under close medical care, but her availability for Scotland's World Cup opener against Wales and subsequent pool matches is uncertain. The team is preparing to face Wales, Fiji, and Canada in the pool stages, aiming to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time since 2006. Easson also noted other injury concerns, such as winger Rhona Lloyd's precautionary withdrawal due to a quad twinge, but expressed optimism about the squad's readiness.