Edinburgh squad named for 2024/25 Celtic Challenge

10 Dec 2024

Edinburgh Rugby today announced the women’s squad for the 2024/25 Celtic Challenge – which kicks off against rivals Glasgow Warriors next week under the Friday night lights at Hive Stadium (20 December, kick-off 7.35pm).

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Edinburgh players run out onto the pitch 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)

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank confirmed the final 30-player group, which sees familiar faces return for the side’s second campaign in the Celtic Challenge.

Scotland internationalist and last season’s Player of the Season Alex Stewart returns to the capital squad, the back-row set to feature for Corstorphine Cougars in this weekend’s Arnold Clark Premiership final.

Other returning faces include Aila Ronald (hooker), Molly Poolman (tighthead), Natasha Logan (lock) and Merryn Gunderson (back-row), all of whom were been involved in Scotland women’s squads since last season’s Celtic Challenge.

Additionally, Hannah Walker returns to action in the back-three, having been handed the Scotland U20 captaincy during the summer.

On the finalised squad, Cruikshank said: “The anticipation is starting to build for this season’s Celtic Challenge and I’m delighted to be able to announce our finalised squad.

“It’s great to have some familiar faces return to the side and there are other exciting talents coming into the squad who will get a first taste of action at this level.”

Edinburgh Rugby Women’s squad 2024/25

Forwards

Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)*
Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars)*
Alison Wilson (Heriots)
Caroline Bullock (University of Edinburgh)
Charlotte Russell (Watsonians)
Chloe Brown (Stirling County)
Faye Sutherland (Corstorphine Cougars)
Georgia Young (Watsonians)
Hannah McMahon (University of Edinburgh)
Karis Craig (Watsonians)*
Megan Riach (Garioch)
Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)*
Millie Capaldi (Heriots)
Molly Poolman (Watsonians)*
Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)*
Samaanther Taganekurukuru (Stirling County)
Talei Tawake (Watsonians)*

Backs

Ami Conchie (Watsonians)
April McKenzie (Watsonians)
Dawn Lawrie (Watsonians)
Emily Love (Corstorphine Cougars)
Giselle Chicot (Watsonians)
Hannah Ramsay (University of Edinburgh)*
Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh)*
Holly Mclntyre (University of Edinburgh)*
Lisa Brown (University of Edinburgh)*
Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh)*
Pip Benson (Corstorphine Cougars)
Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh)*

*Scottish Rugby Women’s Academy Players

About Celtic Challenge:

The Celtic Challenge is the first Women’s domestic Cross-Border Competition. The League is played between 6 Teams across 3 nations over 10 rounds. At the end of the season, the team with the highest table standing will be crowned Champions.

The League is designed to develop and inspire World Class performance through elite Competition, it is the highest form of domestic rugby across Wales, Scotland, and Ireland and acts as a pathway for current and future International Talent.

For further information about the Celtic Challenge please visit: https://celticrugbycomp.com/