‘Ultimate goal’ of senior Scottish rugby cap edges closer for Orkney’s Cailynn!

The ‘ultimate goal’ of a senior rugby cap for Scotland is within ‘touchline’ distance for Cailynn Williamson who has secured a place in the nation’s U18 Caledonia squad. 

Cailynn, 16, who just moved up an age group this season, took part in the Scotland Regional Series trials at Highland Rugby Football Club on 19 January and she received word this week to say she has been selected for the U18 Caledonia squad – one of three squads in Scotland from which girls are selected to progress onto the national pathway. 

Cailynn is a Performance Development Programme (PDP) athlete – a scheme run through Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and sportscotland. Through the programme support is given to athletes on the performance pathway which includes physical preparation, performance lifestyle support, nutrition support and physio guidance. 

Not only is she excited for the challenge that lies ahead as she steps up to her first year with the U18s, but Cailynn is also in the midst of sitting prelims combined with travelling back and forth to training and games on the Scottish mainland! 

She said: “Rugby is my passion, and progressing further along the pathway is my dream. I hope one day to achieve my ultimate goal of a senior cap for Scotland.” 

Cailynn’s mum, Charlene Nicolson, added: “That used to appear so far away and impossible for a young girl from Orkney, but the reality is that if she puts her mind to it, there is nothing stopping her.” 

Cailynn plays for Caithness given the low numbers at U16-18 girls’ rugby in Orkney so travelling has become a necessary part of her rugby ambition. 

She is away to Dunfermline on Sunday for training and will be playing rugby matches in Inverness, Edinburgh and Motherwell over the coming weeks as well as further training. 

Charlene said: “PDP has allowed her to work on her strength training twice a week as well as receive nutritional support and advice information on injuries and any niggles. 

“She now trains for rugby two to three times a week, benefitting from extra coaching from Graeme Ramage, the under 16 boy’s coach, and joining the boys’ team on Wednesday nights, which gives her the opportunity to train with a full squad. Rugby Development Officer, Sean Corrigall, and Orkney Community Rugby Coach Alastair Morgan take the lead on the girls’ training, and she occasionally joins the women’s training as well. 

“Sometimes she needs reminded to slow down and have a night off, especially when she has exams. It can be a challenge balancing it all, as she has three siblings who are in and out of town at sports and activities and she is also passionate about other sports. However, we make it work. With a busy schedule good planning is essential - being organised with dinner and packed lunches for the car makes all the difference. The club runs a drop in for players on a Wednesday after school, so it’s great to know she is getting dinner before training as well as having space to study!” 

Sean has also supported several other players to progress this season – Michael Scarth, Ronan Hamilton and Murray Robertson all feature in the Caledonia boy’s squad.