Above: Rhea (left) and Elliann Clarke

Elliann and Rhea Clarke on rugby, university, and representing Scotland.

When sisters Elliann and Rhea Clarke ran out together wearing the thistle in the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, it was more than a personal milestone—it was the culmination of years of hard work, shared dreams, and a journey that began on the rugby pitches of the University of Edinburgh. 

Elliann (BSc Agricultural Science, 2023) and Rhea (MA Scottish Ethnology, 2025) have spent their lives not only as siblings but also as teammates. From mini rugby through to their time at Edinburgh and now on the international stage, their stories are deeply intertwined—making their Six Nations experience all the more special. 

Elliann Clarke

The Six Nations

For Rhea, being selected for the Scotland squad was a long-held ambition come true. “To get called into the squad meant so much,” she says. “It was an experienced team full of talent, and I was just excited to learn and grow.” Her standout moment? Earning her first cap in front of a packed stadium against England, with friends and family in the crowd. “It’s a moment I’ll always be proud of,” she says. 

Elliann, a more seasoned member of the squad, was playing in her third Six Nations campaign. But the thrill hadn’t dulled. “It’s the most exciting time of the year—the intensity of the games is unmatched,” she says. The campaign’s highlight for her was a hard-fought home win against Ireland, a victory that meant even more after earlier frustrations in the tournament. “To finish on that high was so important, especially as we now get into the throes of the 2025 World Cup.” 

Rhea Clarke

International ambitions

Both sisters credit the University of Edinburgh as a pivotal chapter in their rugby journeys. 

“Edinburgh was the first place where I had real performance support,” says Elliann, reflecting on the university’s elite sport setup. “Gym sessions, GPS tracking, physio—things that took my game to the next level.” The high-quality opposition in the BUCS league and the calibre of players—often international-level themselves—pushed her to improve every week. 

Rhea agrees. “The university backed us in every way—on and off the pitch,” she says. “And seeing so many Edinburgh players go on to represent Scotland made the pathway feel real and achievable.” As a scrum-half, the pace and skill level of university matches helped her sharpen the quick, instinctive style she thrives on. 

The world stage

The sisters’ transition from university rugby to international competition wasn’t straightforward—but it was made smoother by the support at Edinburgh. 

Elliann earned her first cap while still a student and even represented Scotland at the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand. “The University helped balance my studies and sport,” she recalls. “They liaised with performance staff and my course so I could keep up academically while playing at the highest level.” 

Rhea describes her own journey as more of a “rollercoaster.” Moving in and out of development squads could be tough, but university rugby gave her a foundation of consistency. “It was always there to help me reset, rebuild, and step up,” she says. 

Advice for the next generation

Their message for current students hoping to follow in their footsteps is simple: embrace every moment. 

“Uni rugby is such a unique time,” says Elliann. “Talk to people, communicate with your lecturers, and enjoy it—because the friends and memories you make are for life.” 

Rhea adds: “Stay positive and keep working on your game. Do the extra passing drills, turn up early, be keen. It all adds up. And make sure you enjoy experiences away from rugby and sport – it’s all about balance.”

Sisters, teammates and best friends

Sharing the pitch as sisters has added something special to the Clarke story. “We’ve always played rugby together—it’s been a constant in our lives,” says Elliann. “Having Rhea around means I’ve always got someone who understands me completely, who I can vent to or bounce ideas off.” 

Rhea feels the same. “Elliann’s always been a role model to me. She’s someone I look up to—not just because she’s talented, but because she’s kind, supportive, and always looking out for me.” 

Of course, there are unique challenges too. “When I pass her the ball, I do sometimes think—give her space!” Rhea laughs. “But once the whistle goes, it’s just rugby. We’re teammates.” 

Their bond provides emotional strength during the long days of training camps and high-pressure matches. “She makes camp feel like home,” says Elliann. “At the end of the day, we’re in it together—and that’s pretty special.” 

Sir Chris Hoy Sports Scholarship Fund

If you would like more information on how to support some of our next incredible students athletes, please consider the new Sir Chris Hoy Sports Scholarship Fund. Named after one of our most inspirational sporting alumni, this fund supports elite student athletes who are pursuing success in their academic and athletic endeavours.

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(All images: Scottish Rugby/SNS Group.)