Edinburgh side named for Celtic Challenge opener

• 19 Dec 2024
• Team Announcement

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has named the Edinburgh Rugby women’s side to face Glasgow Warriors in the 2024/25 Celtic Challenge opener tomorrow evening at Hive Stadium (20 December, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on RugbyPass TV and BBC iPlayer.

As they did last season, Edinburgh kick off their Celtic Challenge campaign against their rivals from the West, welcoming the Warriors for the first of two matches between the sides this season.

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Cruikshank’s team selection sees four debutants start for their first run-outs in capital colours, with several players returning to action after the team’s inaugural campaign.

On the selection, Cruikshank added: “The group are buzzing for this, there’s no better way to start the Celtic Challenge than against Glasgow.

“There are a lot of new faces in the side, and we’re excited to write the next chapter of our story in front a big crowd at Hive Stadium!”

Scotland international Lucia Scott starts at fullback for her first appearance for the capital club, with vice-captain Hannah Walker and Cieron Bell picked on the wings.

University of Edinburgh duo of Holly McIntyre (outside centre) and Lucy MacRae (inside centre) are named in the midfield, the pair both on debut.

Hannah Ramsay earns her first start for the capital at fly-half, forming the halves with debutant Rhea Clarke.

In the pack, vice-captain Aila Ronald is handed the starting hooker jersey, alongside Molly Poolman (tighthead) and Alison Wilson (loosehead) in the front row.

Adelle Ferrie and Natasha Logan reunite in the second row, the duo having featured regularly across last season’s Celtic Challenge.

The back-row all played in the Arnold Clarke Women’s Premiership final, with Sam Taganekurukuru (Stirling County), named at number-eight alongside Corstorphine Cougars duo of Alex Stewart (openside flanker) and Merryn Gunderson (blindside).

Edinburgh Rugby side to face Glasgow Warriors at Hive Stadium (Friday 20 December, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on RugbyPass TV and BBC iPlayer.

15. Lucia Scott (Gloucester Hartpury)*

14. Cieron Bell (Loughborough Lightning)
13. Holly McIntyre (University of Edinburgh)*
12. Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh)*
11. Hannah Walker VICE-CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh)

10. Hannah Ramsay (University of Edinburgh)
9. Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh)*

1. Alison Wilson (Heriot’s)
2. Aila Ronald VICE-CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh)
3. Molly Poolman (Watsonian FC)
4. Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)
7. Alex Stewart CAPTAIN (Corstorphine Cougars)
8. Samaanther Taganekurukuru (Stirling County)

Replacements

16. Karis Craig (Watsonian FC)*
17. Talei Tawake (Watsonians FC)*
18. Hannah McMahon (University of Edinburgh)*
19. Lucy Christie (Newcastle University)*
20. Faye Sutherland (Corstorphine Cougars)*
21. Shona Campbell (GB Sevens)*
22. Sarah Denholm (Ealing Trailfinders)
23. Giselle Chicot (Watsonian FC)*

*Edinburgh Rugby debut