News & Features Edinburgh Rugby Women Celtic Challenge

Philipps returns for Brython rematch

13 Feb 2026

Edinburgh Rugby welcomes the return of Scotland international centre Rachel Philipps for tomorrow’s clash against Brython Thunder at Parc y Scarlets (14 February, 12.30pm kick-off) – live on BBC Sport.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 27: Edinburgh's Rachel Phillips in action during a Celtic Challenge match between Edinburgh Rugby Women and Glasgow Warriors Women at the Hive Stadium, on December 27, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Philipps missed out through injury in the reverse fixture against Brython, but returns to the capital starting XV as one of three changes for Saturday’s trip to Wales.

Catriona Moody moves into the starting side at number-eight as the sole change in the pack, with Emily Love shifting from the replacements to start at scrum-half.

On the match, Head Coach Claire Cruikshank said: “Playing Brython in back-to-back games is a real opportunity for us to write the wrongs from last time out. There were some good things from the last game, but also things we’ve needed to work on.

“We’re into the business end of the season now, so it’s crucial we start picking up points in the lead up to the play-offs and finals.”

Cruikshank opts for an unchanged back three, with Lucy MacRae at full-back alongside ever-present wing duo of Cieron Bell and Hannah Walker.

Philipps is joined in the centres by Hannah Ramsay, while Love stars alongside Nicole Marlow in the halves to complete new-look midfield and half-back partnerships.

The tight-five is unchanged from last time out, with Alison Wilson (loosehead) and Faye Sutherland (tighthead) at prop either side of hooker Aila Ronald, with capital stalwarts Adelle Ferrie and Natasha Logan at lock.

Moody joins the back-row alongside blindside flanker Lauryn McGrotty and openside Alex Stewart to complete the capital starting XV.

Edinburgh Rugby side to face Brython Thunder at Parc y Scarlets (Saturday 14 February, 12.30pm kick-off) – live on BBC Sport.

15. Lucy MacRae

14. Cieron Bell
13. Rachel Philipps
12. Hannah Ramsay
11. Hannah Walker CAPTAIN

10. Nicole Marlow
9. Emily Love

1. Alison Wilson
2. Aila Ronald
3. Faye Sutherland
4. Adelle Ferrie
5. Natasha Logan
6. Lauryn McGrotty
7. Alex Stewart
8. Catriona Moody

Replacements

16. Millie Whitehouse
17. Talei Tawake
18. Hannah McMahon
19. Charlotte Russell
20. Alina Prokopenko
21. Pip Benson
22. Lisa Brown
23. Scarlett Haddow