Jade Konkel "has become Scotland’s first ever full-time female rugby player" after being signed by the Scottish Rugby Union, according to THE SCOTSMAN. The Scottish int'l has played 23 times for her country and she "is captain of Hillhead Jordanhill." The 22-year-old "will now commit to being a stage three player" in the Scottish Rugby Academy and will fulfill a full-time program at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld. She said, "I was very emotional when they offered me the role because it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s difficult to find the words to describe how special this opportunity is to me." The move "has been made as part of the SRU’s commitment to developing the competitiveness of the women’s game." Academy & Performance Programs Head Stephen Gemmell said, "We hope and expect it will be an inspiration to all women in the sport, however it’s important to understand that Jade has been selected on merit, based on her performances, attitude, commitment, and propensity to improve; as part of a national selection process alongside all of our identified talented players" (SCOTSMAN, 6/15).
