Edinburgh side named for historic major play-off

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Edinburgh's Nicole Flynn in action during a Celtic Challenge match Edinburgh Rugby Women and Clovers at Hive Stadium, on February 03, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

The capital side raced into the play-offs after a bonus point win against Clovers and will face the table-topping Wolfhounds in a top two clash.

Edinburgh are currently four points behind the league leaders going into the final two matches of the competition, where they will face both Irish sides.

Cruikshank’s team selection has remained consistent throughout the tournament however the Head Coach will be able to call upon Scotland and GB Sevens flyer Rhona Lloyd from the replacements – making her debut for the club she grew up supporting.

An unchanged back three is named, with Cardiff Met’s Nicole Marlow at full-back, flanked by Edinburgh University wing duo of Cieron Bell and Nicole Flynn.

Briar McNamara returns to the capital midfield at inside centre, partnering Scotland Women’s player of the year Emma Orr.

Captain Sarah Denholm starts in the 10 jersey, having played every minute of the tournament, alongside scrum-half Jenny Maxwell at half back.

Edinburgh University’s Millie Whitehouse retains her starting position at hooker, with Panashe Muzambe and Katie Lindsay getting the nod at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively.

Fiona McIntosh moves into the starting line-up at lock alongside Corsotophine Cougars’ Adelle Ferrie, the duo starting together for the first time.

Cruikshank has selected an unchanged back-row, with Corstorphine Cougars flanker pairing of Merryn Gunderson and vice-captain Alex Stewart once again joined by Watsonians FC number eight Freya Walker.

On the match, Cruikshank said: “Our target, once we started to play some games, was to get in the top three.

“We didn’t set that out at the start, so to get into the top three and to be in the major playoffs is a huge success for us. We’re super excited about what’s to come over the next few weeks.

“Tomorrow is another exciting challenge against a tough side that have gone unbeaten, so we’ll need to be at the top of our game infront of the Edinburgh fans at Hive Stadium.”

Scotland winger Rhona Lloyd could make her debut from the bench, as could Corstorphine Cougars scrum-half Zoe Turner – with both named in the matchday squad for the first time.

Edinburgh Rugby squad to face the Irish Wolfhounds at Hive Stadium (Saturday 17 February, kick-off 1pm) – live on BBC iPlayer and RugbyPass TV.

15. Nicole Marlow (Cardiff Met)

14. Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh)
13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s/Biggar RFC)
12. Briar McNamara (Watsonian FC)
11. Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh)

10. Sarah Denholm CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh)
9. Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning)

1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs)
2. Millie Whitehouse (University of Edinburgh)
3. Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars)
4. Fiona McIntosh (Saracens)
5. Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)
7. Alex Stewart VICE-CAPTAIN (Corstorphine Cougars)
8. Freya Walker (Watsonian FC)

Replacements

16. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)
17. Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh)
18. Molly Poolman (Watsonian FC)
19. Nathasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)
20. Gemma Bell (Hartpury University)
21. Zoe Turner (Corstorphine Cougars)
22. Hannah Ramsay (Corstorphine Cougars)
23. Rhona Lloyd (GB Sevens)