For the first time, players based in Scotland will be contracted directly to Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors – a landmark change under the new women’s performance and pathways system, designed to strengthen the domestic game and build towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Thirteen senior players will represent Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge next season, with a further four players joining on Academy contracts.

The capital contingent includes current Edinburgh players Alex Stewart, Hannah Walker, Hannah Ramsay, Molly Poolman, Merryn Gunderson and Aila Ronald, alongside recently announced signings Leia Brebner-Holden, Elis Martin, Rachel Phillips, Chloe Rollie, Emma Orr, Coreen Grant and Emily Coubrough.

They are joined by academy contracted players Bethan Mathieson, Cat Moody, Faye Sutherland and Talei Tawake, who will continue their development within Edinburgh’s high-performance environment.

Across the country, Scottish Rugby has increased its total number of contracted players to 47 for 2026/27 – 35 of whom will be based in Scotland with Edinburgh Rugby or Glasgow Warriors, supported by the newly established National Central Programme and National Academy Programme.

The model is built around a clear aim: producing international-standard players to drive sustained Scotland Women success, while offering the opportunity to play professional rugby here in Scotland.

Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways Andy Rhys Jones said: “Moving into a new Rugby World Cup cycle, this model is about creating the strongest possible future for the women’s game in Scotland and national team success.

“The increase in contract numbers and a move to players in Scotland being contracted to the professional clubs will see more players have the opportunity to develop in high-performance environments, with a clear goal to build a competitive domestic system that supports success on the international stage.

“Bringing experienced international players together with the next generation of talent will help raise standards, accelerate development and strengthen the depth of our player pool in Scotland.”

Scotland Women Head Coach Sione Fukofuka added: “It’s a real positive to have more players training and playing in Scotland within a consistent high-performance environment.

“Having more of our international players based in Scotland creates greater opportunities for shared learning, stronger connections across the squad and a more cohesive approach that can directly support success at national team level.”

 

Edinburgh Rugby contracted players 2026/27

Leia Brebner-Holden
Emily Coubrough
Coreen Grant
Merryn Gunderson
Elis Martin
Emma Orr
Rachel Phillips
Molly Poolman
Hannah Ramsay
Chloe Rollie
Aila Ronald
Alex Stewart
Hannah Walker 

Academy contracted players

Bethan Mathieson
Cat Moody
Faye Sutherland
Talei Tawake

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