Cruikshank to return as Edinburgh Rugby Women’s Head Coach

Cruikshank steered Edinburgh to an impressive second placed finish in the team’s inaugural season, and now take on the role in a full-time basis as part of the Scottish Rugby Female Performance Pipeline, funded by Royal London’s Level the Playing Field programme enabled by the British and Irish Lions.

‘Shanks’ joins from the University of Edinburgh, where she has worked as Head of Performance Ladies’ Rugby, where she has brought success for over a decade in the University game.

Cruikshank will continue to work in a strategic oversight role with the rugby performance programme at the University of Edinburgh, further strengthening the relationship with the club partner.

A former Scotland internationalist and stalwart of the women’s game, ‘Shanks’ has international experience in a coaching capacity, both as Head Coach for the Swedish Women’s National Team and as Head Coach for Scotland U20 since 2023.

Cruikshank was also World Rugby Coaching Intern for Scotland Women and the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and coached with the national team during the recent WXV2 campaign in Cape Town.

Details of the side’s full coaching team will be announced in due course.

On the appointment, Cruikshank added: “It’s a really exciting role, and I can’t wait to get started. Last season’s Celtic Challenge was amazing to be a part of, and to build on that is an opportunity I’m looking forward to immensely.

“It’s great to see so many of our players from last season doing well, with many earning international honours after playing for Edinburgh. It shows the clear pathway that is available for the girls, and one I’m excited to continue working on.”

Managing Director Douglas Struth added: “It’s brilliant to have Claire back at the club for our second season of the Celtic Challenge.

“Last year’s campaign was a great success, with good rugby and big crowds coming out to support the ‘History-Makers’. I’m excited for season two and hope we can see similar backing from the ‘Burgh faithful!”

On Cruikshank’s appointment, University of Edinburgh Director of Sport and Active Health, Mark Munro, said “We are thrilled to announce that Claire Cruikshank, our Head of Women’s Performance Rugby, has been appointed as the first-ever full-time rugby coach for the Edinburgh Rugby women’s side.

“Claire’s impact on the University of Edinburgh over the past decade has been nothing short of transformative, building a programme that is now a vital pathway for talent to the National Women’s team.”