Poolman returns for inter-city derby
26 Dec 2025Edinburgh welcome the return of Scotland tighthead Molly Poolman for tomorrow’s Celtic Challenge clash against Glasgow Warriors at Hive Stadium (Saturday 27 December, 12pm) – live on BBC Scotland.
Edinburgh welcome the return of Scotland tighthead Molly Poolman for tomorrow’s Celtic Challenge clash against Glasgow Warriors at Hive Stadium (Saturday 27 December, 12pm) – live on BBC Scotland.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 01: Edinburgh's Molly Poolman during a Celtic Challenge match between Edinburgh and Clovers at the Hive Stadium, on March 01, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) The prop completes her injury comeback as one of three changes to the side that faced the Wolfhounds last time out, with centre Lisa Brown and flanker Charlotte Russell also coming into the starting line-up for their first starts of the season.
Tomorrow’s Celtic Challenge match is the first of two games that Edinburgh is hosting tomorrow, with the 1872 Cup following at 3pm to form a derby day double header in the Scottish capital.
On the match, Head Coach Claire Cruikshank said: “We can’t wait to get out there tomorrow against Glasgow, derby games just have such a great edge to them, especially in front of a big crowd at Hive Stadium.
“I was really proud of our performance last week, going to Ireland was a tough challenge but the players rose to it and brought so much energy and passion for the jersey, and I can’t wait to see more of that tomorrow.”
Cruikshank names an unchanged back three, with captain Hannah Walker and Cieron Bell on the wings, with Scarlett Haddow once again at full-back.
Brown starts at outside-centre, with Rachel Philipps shifting in one position to start at inside-centre. The half-back pairing is unchanged, with Scotland fly-half Hannah Ramsay partnering Watsonians teammate Emily Love.
Poolman is the sole change in the capital tight-five, starting alongside loosehead Talei Tawake and hooker Aila Ronald, with Adelle Ferrie and Natasha Logan forming a familiar partnership at lock.
Russell starts at blindside flanker for her first home start, joining the back-row with openside Alex Stewart and number-eight Merryn Gunderson.
Edinburgh Rugby side to face Glasgow Warriors at Hive Stadium (Saturday 27 December, 12pm kick-off) – live on BBC Scotland.
15. Scarlett Haddow
14. Cieron Bell
13. Lisa Brown
12. Rachel Philipps
11. Hannah Walker CAPTAIN
10. Hannah Ramsay
9. Emily Love
1. Talei Tawake
2. Aila Ronald
3. Molly Poolman
4. Adelle Ferrie
5. Natasha Logan
6. Charlotte Russell
7. Alex Stewart
8. Merryn Gunderson
Replacements
16. Millie Whitehouse
17. Alison Wilson
18. Faye Sutherland
19. Nicola Howat*
20. Cat Moody
21. Tamzin Rosie*
22. Nicole Marlow
23. Lucy MacRae
*Edinburgh Rugby debut