DAM Health Stadium hosts Celtic Challenge finale

24 Feb 2023

The Thistles team to face Combined Provinces in tomorrow’s Celtic Challenge finale at DAM Health Stadium was today named by Head Coach Claire Cruikshank (Saturday 25 February, kick-off 1.30pm) – live on scottishrugby.org.

There are still a limited number of tickets available for the fixture being played at the home of Edinburgh Rugby. Tickets are free but you must register on Eventbrite HERE. This weekend’s match will also be live-streamed on the Scottish Rugby website.

Cruikshank has made five alterations to the back division, as Sky Phimister and Ceitidh Ainsworth are promoted from the bench to right wing and stand-off respectively, while Fran McGhie returns from injury to start on the left wing.

Shona Campbell joins the fold after being released by GB 7s this weekend and will partner captain Meryl Smith who moves to the midfield.

The side’s last match against WRU Development XV saw them claim their first victory in the competition, recording a comprehensive 21-7 win at Cardiff Arms Park.

Cruikshank said: “It was fantastic to get the win against WRU Development XV a fortnight ago and it was hugely deserved following the hard-work and effort that the players have displayed throughout the competition.

“I know the squad are looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd again this weekend as we will be looking to finish the competition on a positive note.”

 

The Thistles team to face Combined Provinces XV at DAM Health Stadium (Saturday 25 February, kick-off 1.30pm)

15. Roma Fraser (Cartha Queens Park)

14. Sky Phimister (Stirling County)
13. Shona Campbell (GB 7s)
12. Meryl Smith CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh)
11. Francesca McGhie (Watsonians)

10. Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County)
9. Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh)

1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs)
2. Elis Martin (DMP Sharks)
3. Elliann Clarke (University of Edinburgh)
4. Eva Donaldson (University of Edinburgh)
5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)
6. Erinn Foley (Hillhead Jordanhill)
7. Alex Stewart (University of Edinburgh)
8. Emma Turner (Corstorphine Cougars)

Replacements

16. Nikki Simpson (Garioch)
17. Poppy Fletcher (Heriot’s)
18. Lindsay McDiarmid (Garioch)
19. Freya Walker (Watsonians)
20. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)
21. Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs)
22. Carla McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill)
23. Lucy MacRae (Stirling County)

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