Edinburgh side named for Celtic Challenge finale

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank today named the Edinburgh side to face Irish Wolfhounds at Energia Park tomorrow afternoon (8 March, 12.15pm kick-off) – live on BBC iPlayer

The capital side head to Dublin for their final match of the Celtic Challenge, with a much-changed line-up selected due to injury and illness.

Sarah Denholm makes her first start of the campaign at fly-half, skippering the side alongside vice-captain Natasha Logan.

Hannah Ramsay shifts from stand-off to full-back to start in the back three, alongside wingers Lucia Scott and Cieron Bell.

Cruikshank has named an unchanged midfield duo, with inside centre Giselle Chicot again partnering Lisa Brown.

Denholm is joined in the halves by Rhea Clarke, the pair having played together previously for the University of Edinburgh.

In the pack, Alison Wilson once again starts at loosehead prop, with fresh duo of Karis Craig (hooker) and Megan Riach (tighthead) completing the front row.

Ever-present lock Logan will be joined in the capital second-row by a new partner for the first time this season, with Lucy Christie coming in for her first Edinburgh start.

Merryn Gunderson retains the number eight jersey and is joined in the back row by blindside flanker Cat Moody and openside Charlotte Russell, the latter set for her first capital start.

Head Coach, Claire Cruikshank, said: “Although the conditions leading up to our final match are not ideal, with injuries and illness, I’m excited for the players who will have the opportunity to showcase their talent.

“We still field a strong squad featuring promising young talent and aim to finish the tournament on a high playing with pride and passion.”

Edinburgh Rugby side to face Irish Wolfhounds at Energia Park
Saturday 8 March, 12.15pm kick-off – live on BBC iPlayer

15. Hannah Ramsay

14. Cieron Bell
13. Lisa Brown
12. Giselle Chicot
11. Lucia Scott

10. Sarah Denholm CAPTAIN
9. Rhea Clarke

1. Alison Wilson
2. Karis Craig

1. Megan Riach
4. Lucy Christie
5. Natasha Logan VICE-CAPTAIN
6. Cat Moody
7. Charlotte Russell
8. Merryn Gunderson

Replacements

16. Millie Capaldi*
17. Talei Tawake
18. Kaylee Fraser
19. Rowan McPherson*
20. Faye Sutherland
21. Pip Benson
22. April McKenzie*
23. Nicole Marlow

Unavailable: Hannah McMahon, Dawn Lawrie, Georgia Young, Holly McIntyre, Sam Taganekurukuru, Charlotte Fosbeary, Shona Campbell, Lucy MacRae, Hannah Walker, Molly Poolman, Aila Ronald, Adelle Ferrie, Alex Stewart, Chloe Brown, Lauryn Walter

*Edinburgh Rugby debut