A Chat with Scottish International, Leah Bartlett

Leah Bartlett plays for Scotland and has also played in the Premier 15s and Women's Six Nations, including the 2021 Women's Six Nations Championship. She also played for the England Women's U20 team. We caught up with her recently to quiz her on her rugby career to date.

You started playing rugby at 5 years of age! What got you involved so young and what is your youngest childhood memory of playing?

I did! I started so young because all my siblings played at Loughborough RFC so I spent every Sunday down there from being a baby. So it was just kind of the natural progression for me to play as well

You are Loughborough Lightening player #001, and have scored on international debut, but is there a career highlight so far?

Getting my first cap for Scotland out in Spain is definitely the career highlight of mine, and scoring on my debut was pretty special as well! There have been lots of momentous games that I’ve been involved in, such as the World Cup Qualifier and getting to play for Scotland at our first World Cup in 12 years.

Getting to run out at Mattioli Woods Welford Road and play for Leicester Tigers is another huge career highlight for me as I’ve always been a high Tigers fan growing up, so yeah that was very special to me!

Women's Rugby within Europe has made some huge steps forward. Is there anything in particular you have noticed that stands out?

Yeah, there has definitely been some high steps forward - I think the game itself has taken huge strides over the last couple of years. That is obviously heavily to do with the development of professionalism within the sport, both at an international and domestic level.

As much is there is still a long way to go with professionalising the sport, it is definitely developing and the quality of the performances that are being shown at all levels is testament to that.

Have you always worn headgear? Why did you choose N-Pro in particular?

I have worn head gear for years now. I got a bad head knock when I was a wee bit younger and had a nasty concussion, so I think I definitely wore it to make me feel more confident.

What are your personal rugby goals for 2025?

My personal rugby goal for 2025 is to be involved in the Scotland World Cup squad. I think we’ve got a huge opportunity to get some incredible results which is hugely exciting!