TWO talented youngsters from Dunfermline Rugby Club have expressed their excitement after being selected to play for their country.

Bethan Mathieson, 16, and Megan Laurie, 15, have been picked to represent Scotland's under-16s at an international festival in Galashiels next month.

The duo, who both play in the backs, are part of a squad that will play teams from Wales and the Netherlands having been identified through Scottish Rugby's 'Girls Regional Game Series', which ran at the beginning of the year.

They came through regional and national trials to earn their places, and Bethan, who has played with Dunfermline for 12 years, said: "It's pretty cool, I'm very happy about it.

"It didn't really sink in for a while. I was just happy to get to the trials but, for this to come, is very special.

"It's definitely weird saying it (that she's been selected). It doesn't feel real when I do say it - it doesn't feel like it's actually happened!

"I'm very much looking forward to it. It's just very cool to think about playing against all these different teams from different places. I'm looking forward to that competitive side of it."

Megan, who got involved two-and-a-half years ago when she accompanied a friend to try the sport, revealed that she suffered a concussion injury during the regional games that sidelined her for three weeks.

That, thankfully, didn't stop her progression to the under-16 squad, and she said: "I was in the regional squad last year but didn't get selected for the national squad.

"I didn't expect it. I didn't really believe it at the start!

"Nerves are there because I've never played in games as big as this, but I'm looking forward to it."

Bethan's dad Nick, who helps coach the Dunfermline's girls section, said: "They're really excited. The whole squad have been training two or three times now and they're just loving it.

"They love going off and putting on the Scotland gear, and they're really excited to get the chance in May to play for the under-16s in the international festival that's been organised down in Gala.

"It's great for them to see the step up and to challenge themselves against other countries. They'll get to test themselves against the best players at their age from elsewhere."

Megan's dad, Sky, added: "She's dragged herself around the country to play rugby, so I'm delighted she got in.

"She'll be one of the younger ones next year at under-18s, so I hope she can get her feet under the table with the development plan."

The squad's head coach, Gordon Lyon, commented: "These game play opportunities and experiences are really important as our pathway evolves, and particularly as players graduate and look to move into the under-18 set up."