Edinburgh side named for Clovers clash

10 Jan 2025

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has named the Edinburgh Rugby women’s side to face the Irish Clovers at Virgin Media Park – the team’s first-ever match in Ireland (Saturday 11 January, kick-off 3pm) – live on RugbyPass TV.

Cruikshank makes two changes to the starting line-up that beat Brython Thunder last time out, with blindside flanker Charlotte Fosbeary and tighthead prop Hannah McMahon making their first starts for the capital.

Edinburgh have made a perfect start to their Celtic Challenge campaign with back-to-back bonus point wins but will face a stern test away to the Clovers.

On the match, Cruikshank said: “It has been great starting the tournament with two home matches. There have been a lot of positives for us but also a lot to work on and improve.

“The Clovers will be a new challenge to what we’ve faced. They’re a side filled with international experience, but we’re excited to have a chance to show what we can do against them”

The Edinburgh back-three has bagged nine tries in two matches so far this season and remains unchanged, with Lucia Scott at full-back alongside wingers Cieron Bell and Hannah Walker.

The capital midfield is once again made up of Lucy Macrae (inside centre) and Giselle Chicot (outside centre).

Rhea Clarke starts at scrum-half for the third game in a row, partnered by Hannah Ramsay (stand-off) at half-back.

University of Edinburgh tighthead McMahon is joined in the front row by vice-captain Aila Ronald (hooker) and Alison Wilson (loosehead).

The capital engine room is unchanged once again, with Adelle Ferrie and Natasha Logan remaining ever-present at second row.

Fosbeary is the sole change in the back-row, starting with captain Alex Stewart and number eight Samaanther Taganekurukuru, who scored her first try for the club last week.

Edinburgh Rugby side to face Clovers at Virgin Media Park in the Celtic Challenge
Saturday 11 January, kick-off 3pm – live on RugbyPass TV.

15. Lucia Scott

14. Cieron Bell
13. Giselle Chicot
12. Lucy MacRae
11. Hannah Walker VICE-CAPTAIN

10. Hannah Ramsay
9. Rhea Clarke

1. Alison Wilson
2. Aila Ronald VICE-CAPTAIN
3. Hannah McMahon
4. Adelle Ferrie
5. Natasha Logan
6. Charlotte Fosbeary
7. Alex Stewart CAPTAIN
8. Samaanther Taganekurukuru

Replacements

16. Kaylee Fraser
17. Talei Tawake
18. Megan Riach*
19. Lucy Christie
20. Lauryn Walter*
21. Pip Benson
22. Sarah Denholm
23. Nicole Marlow

Unavailable: Molly Poolman, Chloe Brown, Karis Craig, Merryn Gunderson, Holly McIntyre, April McKenzie.

*Edinburgh Rugby debut