Mattinson set for Edinburgh Debut

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has made five changes to the starting XV for the side’s first away trip, with Millie Whitehouse, Freya Walker and 18-year-old Nicole Flynn all making their first starts alongside debutant Mattinson.

Edinburgh are looking to bounce back after defeat against the Wolfhounds at Hive Stadium last weekend, currently sitting in fourth place in the league standings.

Flynn – who made her debut from the bench last week – starts on the wing alongside fellow Edinburgh University winger Cieron Bell, with Cardiff Met’s Nicole Marlow starting at fullback.

Cruikshank has named an unchanged midfield partnership, with Emma Orr and Briar McNamara once again at outside and inside centre respectively.

Captain Sarah Denholm retains the fly-half jersey, partnering fellow Scotland Internationalist Caity Mattinson in the halves.

Whitehouse makes her first start at Hooker, in between unchanged prop duo of Panashe Muzambe (loosehead) and Molly Poolman (tighthead).

Fiona McIntosh and Natasha Logan are selected at lock for the third match in a row, with Cruikshank opting for consistency in the capital’s engine room.

Walker comes into the starting back row at number eight, with Merryn Gunderson shifting to blind-side flanker, while vice-captain Alex Stewart again starts at open-side.

On the selection, Cruikshank said: “After two games at home we now have the chance for the team to have its first game on the road, for what will be a big challenge against the Thunder in Llanelli.

“It’s a pretty consistent team, with a number of key partnerships getting the chance to solidify, with the cohesion and understanding growing each game.

“It’s a good opportunity for Nicole Flynn, who impressed off the bench against the Wolfhounds last week. I’m also excited to see Caity Mattinson make her debut for Edinburgh at scrum-half.”

Hooker Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh) could make her debut for Edinburgh from the bench, with Poppy Fletcher and Katie Lindsay named as replacement props.

Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars) is second-row replacement, while Stirling County’s Sophie Murphy could debut as a further pack reinforcement.

In the backs, Leia Brebner-Holden, Hannah Ramsay and Rachel Philipps are all picked as potential replacements.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Brython Thunder at Parc Y Scarlets (Sunday 14 January, kick-off 1.30pm) – Live on RugbyPass TV.

15. Nicole Marlow (Cardiff Met)**

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

10. Sarah Denholm (University of Edinburgh)*
9. Caity Mattinson (Gloucester-Hartpury)

1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs)**
2. Millie Whitehouse (University of Edinburgh)
3. Molly Poolman (Watsonian FC)*
4. Fiona McIntosh (Saracens)**
5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)*
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)
7. Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars)*
8. Freya Walker (Watsonian FC)*

Replacements

16. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)*
17. Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh)*
18. Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars)*
19. Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
20. Sophie Murphy (Stirling County)*
21. Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester Hartpury & Cheltenham Tigers)**
22. Hannah Ramsay (Corstorphine Cougars)
23. Rachel Philipps (Watsonian FC)*

*Scottish Rugby Regional Training Centre supported players
**Transitional SQ Player