Louise Gray is targeting a World Cup place after making her Scotland debut in the women’s Six Nations.

The prop, from Witney, came off the bench to win her first cap in Sunday’s 28-12 defeat to Wales at Bridgend.

Gray celebrated her 27th birthday on the same day and, despite losing, was pleased with her performance.

“It was quite a big day overall,” said Gray. “We didn’t win, but two out of three isn’t bad.

“It was exciting and scary, having to prove myself.

“I was on for about 15 minutes and we scored with a penalty from my scrum.

“I also had a run, but probably made the wrong decision by passing it.”

The women’s World Cup takes place in England this summer and Gray would love to be involved.

“I’m just looking to make the final 26 for the World Cup,” she said. “I am really going for it. My diet has changed a lot.

“I am eating a lot more carbs. I can’t enjoy food as much as I used to.”

Gray, who grew up in Bampton, played for Witney Angels for nine years before moving to Henley where her game has really taken off.

She has also played at centre and in the back row, but now specialises as a loose-head prop with Scotland.

“I’ve only been with Scotland 18 months,” said Gray, whose father Fred is a Glaswegian.

“My first game for the A team was against the Army last year when I got 20 minutes and I started every match after that.

“I was due to captain the A team against France, but got called up to the first team on the morning of that game.”

Gray did not come on in that match, but had to wait only a week for her debut.

Did she ever think her rugby career could go this far?

Gray said: “I always thought about it and just never got round to doing it.

“Then when I was with the Thames Valley regional squ-ad, I was put forward for England trials, but I said I wanted to play for Scotland.”

Gray got her chance and is taking it with both hands.

  • FORMER Witney junior player Callum MacBurnie was an unused replacement as Scotland lost 20-12 to Wales in the Under 20 Six Nations.

The Moseley centre will hope to make his debut in Scotland’s remaining three fixtures.