'It's pretty surreal!' Borders rugby star responds to life-sized statue made in her honour
Last updated 21st Mar 2024
It's hoped the creation of life-sized statues of some of the female stars of Scottish rugby will encourage more women and girls to try their hand at the sport.
One of those featured is Borders rugby player Lisa Thomson, who got her first taste of the game at Jed Minis.
The former Hawick High School pupil said: "It's pretty surreal to have a statue of yourself, but it's an honour to have been recognised alongside Donna and Fran.
"Unveiling these just before the start of the Guinness Six Nations is amazing and I can't wait to see our fans reactions when they see them at Hive Stadium, and hopefully we can inspire the next generation of trailblazers."
The others featured are Scotland’s most capped player, Donna Kennedy, who first started playing rugby at Biggar, at the age of 19 in 1991; and rising star Francesca McGhie, who started playing for East Lothian and Borders Girls based at Preston Lodge in 2018.
McGhie added: "To have a statue of myself alongside Donna, who is such an inspiration and Lisa, who I have looked up to prior to coming into the Scotland Women's team is so special. I really hope that for everyone who sees them, these statues can act as a symbol of inspiration and encourage them to take up the sport or start following our journey."
The trailblazers statues have been created by state-of-the-art 3D printing technology using 100% recycled plastics, some of which was destined for landfill.
They will remain on display in Edinburgh's Castle Street until Friday evening when they will be transported to the Hive Stadium, where they’ll be on display ahead of Scotland's two home fixtures against France (March 30th) and England (April 13th).
The unveiling comes as a study reveals the influence of female sports stars - with half saying they're motivated to take up sport after watching the success of female athletes.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/