‘Emma Wassell: Laoch’ charts the amazing comeback of the Scottish Rugby lock, following surgery to remove a 27cm tumour from her chest.
Wassell, who also lost her mother just months prior to the surgery, successfully recovered in time to feature in Scotland’s run to the quarter finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Through a series of candid interviews and behind-the-scenes access to the world of women’s rugby, the film explores this physical and emotional journey back to international Test rugby.
As a result, a key part of the documentary revolves around the inspiring recovery and rehabilitation that Wassell undertakes during this time, which is led by Scotland Women’s Lead Clinical Physiotherapist, Flo Laing, and her medical team.
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In doing so, ‘Emma Wassell: Laoch’ highlights the importance of wider support networks – both inside and out of women’s rugby – as Mark Huckerby, Head of Sponsorship, VodafoneThree, explains:
“Emma’s road to recovery has been extraordinary, and it’s been brilliant to work with Scottish Rugby to help bring her story to a wider audience, in the hope that it will inspire others facing their own battles – whether that’s in rugby or in life.
“This is exactly why Vodafone’s support for the women’s game goes far beyond the pitch, as we continue to help power the connections that matter most in these moments.”
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Where and when can you watch ‘Emma Wassell: Laoch’?
The documentary, produced by Scottish rugby in collaboration with Vodafone, premiered on Thursday 2 April at a 160-person event in Edinburgh.
Held at Everyman Edinburgh, the premiere was followed by a live panel hosted by Caroline Blair, featuring Wassell and Laing, alongside Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and teammate Rhona Lloyd.
The documentary, now free to watch on Scottish Rugby’s official YouTube channel, forms part of Vodafone’s ‘See It. Believe It.’ campaign, which aims to help grow the women’s game by challenging misconceptions and spotlighting the inspiring stories of fans and players across all levels.
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What is Vodafone’s role in Scottish Rugby?
In August 2024, Vodafone became a Principal Partner of Scottish Rugby, which included Scottish Rugby’s Women’s Pathway.
This support for women’s rugby in Scotland can be seen in several different ways. For example, Vodafone has helped with the development of a clear talent pipeline by providing Vodafone Regional Training Centres. It also helped create the Vodafone PLAYER.Connect performance system.
Vodafone’s commitment to the women’s game extends beyond Scotland, partnering with Wales Women, Gloucester-Hartpury, Celtic Challenge teams Gwalia Lightning & Brython Thunder, the Armed Forces Women’s Rugby Team, and all seven BUCS Premier Division sides.
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