Scotland's national women's rugby team has been plunged into financial crisis after learning its lottery application was rejected.

The Scottish Women's Rugby Union expressed shock and dismay at not receiving a �90,000 boost.

The organisation was delighted last year when it was handed almost �90,000 through a talented athletes scheme.

But the money came with targets to meet. The team had to win the Grand Slam and the European Championships.

Despite not making the grade, the national side had been happy with their season's performance.

They were left bewildered when their application for the Year 2000 cash donation was rejected.

Officials have voiced fears that the sport could be seriously hampered by the lack of funding and said the Scottish Women's Rugby Union would appeal the decision.

The union's chairwoman, Barbara Wilson, said: "We feel that our sport, and the team itself, is worthy of funding from the sports council and without funding we're in a crisis situation."

SWRU officials said that if they lose the funding battle, some of the world's finest players face the prospect of forking out thousands of pounds a game for the honour of pulling on the dark blue jersey

The union's chairwoman, Barbara Wilson, said: "We feel that our sport, and the team itself, is worthy of funding from the sports council and without funding we're in a crisis situation."