Stewart named Edinburgh women’s captain

The back-row, who starred as vice-captain in the side’s inaugural season, is given the armband ahead of Friday’s crunch clash against rivals Glasgow. The flanker enjoyed a stellar campaign in capital colours, winning Player of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season, and picking up her first international honours during the Six Nations.

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has also confirmed the full leadership group for the squad, with University of Edinburgh duo of Hannah Walker (wing) and Aila Ronald (hooker) named as vice-captains.

On the group, Cruikshank said: “Each of the three players has shown a huge amount of dedication, experience, and unique strengths, and we’re confident they’ll guide the team brilliantly. Each brings valuable skills to the table, and together they’ll form an outstanding leadership group.

“Alex led as vice-captain last season and did a great job, Hannah has been captain of Scotland U20 and the university side, while Aila will bring all of her experiences from being in the Scotland camp during WXV2.”

Matty Davidson (left) and Ross Bundy (right)

In addition to the on-field leadership group, the club can confirm the side’s coaching set-up, with Matty Douglas (defence) and Ross Bundy (forwards) appointed ahead of Friday’s clash.

Douglas became the youngest Head Coach in Scottish rugby to win a men’s premiership championship while claiming the league and cup double at Hawick and recently coached the South District to the inter-district championship title.

Bundy brings a wealth of experience to the forwards, having played for Scotland at U20 level during the Six Nations and Junior World Cup, was named as the forwards coach for Rotterdam Rugby Club, and has further playing experience at both Nottingham and Narbonne.

The duo will also be joined by Panashe Muzambe, who joins the Celtic Challenge as a specialist scrummaging coach. Former Scotland prop Muzambe featured from the bench in last season’s match against Glasgow, earning heritage number 17 for the capital.

On the coaching group, Cruikshank said: “It’s a really exciting group of young coaches, who are all eager to make their mark in this season’s competition. It has been great to work with them all so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can develop as a team throughout this season.”