Cruikshank to depart Edinburgh Rugby

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 20: Edinburgh Head Coach Claire Cruikshank during a Celtic Challenge Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors at the Hive Stadium, on December 20, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Cruikshank was named as Edinburgh’s Head Coach in 2023, leading the women’s side in their inaugural season as well as two subsequent Celtic Challenge campaigns. ‘Shanks’ joined the capital club from Edinburgh University, where she was Head of Performance Ladies’ Rugby.

Reflecting on her time in the capital, Cruikshank added: “I’m immensely proud of my time with Edinburgh Rugby. The past three seasons have been filled with so many memorable moments.

“Leading this historic club’s first-ever women’s side was truly an honour; winning the inaugural inter-city derby against Glasgow in front of a huge, packed crowd at Hive Stadium is a memory that will stay with me for such a long time, not just for the result but for the visibility the match gave to women’s rugby in Scotland.

“I’d like to thank Douglas Struth for the opportunity to lead this programme, but also all the fans that supported this side in big numbers during my time with the club. I’m looking forward to my continued work with the club as part of my new role.”

The past three years have been a series of historic firsts for women’s rugby in the capital, with Cruikshank ever at the helm

Cruikshank’s side provided some magical moments against rivals Glasgow Warriors, winning the first inter-city derby, enjoying a thumping 63-15 start to season two, and more recently completing the double after a last-second match winning try to earn victory at Scotstoun.

During Cruikshank’s time with the capital multiple players have gone on to achieve international honours, with Alex Stewart, Molly Poolman, Adelle Ferrie, Hannah Ramsay, and Rhea Clarke all earning their Scotland debuts while at the capital club.

On Cruikshank’s time with the club, Managing Director Douglas Struth added: “I’m so thankful to Claire for the work she has done with this programme. She has been a driver behind the whole team, bringing our history making side to life.

Shanks will forever be part of the history of this club as our first-ever women’s Head Coach, with the win in our first-ever match being a massive moment for our story. She will be leaving big boots to fill, but our loss will certainly be Scotland’s gain, as she continues to mould the future of women’s rugby in Scotland.”