Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors have confirmed their first ever Women’s squads, to take part in the upcoming Celtic Challenge competition. The two Scottish sides will enter the tournament for the first time, and have both selected a core group of 30 players from across the country.
Edinburgh and Glasgow enter the tournament as the two Scottish representatives, with Wales and Ireland also putting forward two respective teams. Ireland’s sides are made up by the Wolfhounds (Leinster and Ulster) and the Clovers (Munster and Connacht), whilst Wales channel their heritage in the Brython Thunder (Ospreys and Scarlets) and Gwalia Lightning (Cardiff and Dragons) teams.
The competition will commence on Friday December 29th, and the regular season runs until the fifth round of action on Saturday February 3rd. We will then enter the play-offs, with three rounds of action seeing the sides battle in double-header elimination fixtures, to determine the outright winner in March.
The competition was introduced to bridge the gap from women’s club rugby into the international test circuit, as the three Celtic Challenge sides close in on England and France in the Women’s Six Nations. Last season’s inaugural competition (January – February 2023) featured three teams, as Ireland’s Combined Provinces, were victorious over the Welsh Development XV and the Scottish Thistles.
EDINBURGH RUGBY
On the finalised squad, Edinburgh Women’s Head Coach Claire Cruikshank said: “The excitement has been building amongst the players, coaches, and management, so It’s brilliant to be able to announce the squad today,
“There is a lot of potential within the squad and a lot of players who experienced playing in the Celtic Challenge last season.
“Several of our players were also involved in Saturday’s Women’s Premiership Final for both Watsonians and Stirling and will be kickstarting the Celtic Challenge filled with confidence after a strong domestic season.
“Our first match a week on Saturday is now fast approaching and we can’t wait to get out there at Hive Stadium in front of the Edinburgh fans.”
FORWARDS
Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)*
Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars)*
Alison Wilson (Heriot’s Blues)
Freya Walker (Watsonian FC)*
Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars)*
Lucy Kidd (Corstorphine Cougars)
Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)
Millie Capaldi (Heriot’s Blues)
Millie Whitehouse (University of Edinburgh)
Molly Poolman (Watsonian FC)*
Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)*
Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh)*
Rachel Cox (Stirling County)
Sam Taganekurukuru (Stirling County)
Sophie Murphy (Stirling County)*
BACKS
Ami Conchie (Watsonian FC)
April McKenzie (unattached)*
Briar McNamara (Watsonian FC)
Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh)*
Emma Orr (Heriot’s Blues/ Biggar)*
Giselle Chicot (Heriot’s Blues)
Hannah Chrisp (Heriot’s Blues)
Hannah Ramsay (Corstorphine Cougars)
Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh)*
Mary Nelson (Watsonian FC)
Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh)*
Rachel Philipps (Watsonian FC)*
Sarah Denholm (University of Edinburgh)*
Zoe Turner (Corstorphine Cougars)
*Scottish Rugby Regional Training Centre supported players
GLASGOW WARRIORS
Speaking following the announcement, Head Coach Chris Laidlaw said; “As a coaching group, we are delighted to name this group of players and are excited about the potential and growth within the group.
“These players have a unique opportunity to push for matchday squads and be part of the first Glasgow Warriors women’s team, and create their own piece of history within this club.
“It’s great to see so many clubs and universities represented within the group, and we look forward to seeing lots of supporters from those clubs at Scotstoun and getting behind the Warriors.”
Forwards
Chloe Brown (Stirling County)
Eilidh Fleming (Stirling County)*
Kaylee Fraser (Corstorphine Cougars)
Debbie Lee (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Hannah McMahon (Edinburgh University)
Ailie Tucker (Watsonian FC)
Karis Craig (Watsonian FC)*
Nikki Simpson (Garioch)*
Holland Bogan (Stirling County)*
Eve Thomson (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
Ellie Williamson (West of Scotland)*
Sophie Anderson (Watsonian FC)
Megan Hyland (Garioch)*
Alex Love (West of Scotland)
Alison Orr (Biggar)
Kirsty Ritchie (Biggar)*
Emma Turner (Corstorphine Cougars)
Lucy Winter (Watsonian FC)
Backs
Rhea Clarke (Edinburgh University)*
Rebekah Douglas (Corstorphine Cougars)*
Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County)*
Carla McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
Pearl Kellie (Heriot’s Blues)
Lucy MacRae (Edinburgh University)*
Claudia McClaren (Stirling County)
Charlotte Burrows (Garioch)*
Roma Fraser (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
Sky Phimister (Stirling County)*
Pheadra Snailham (Stewartry Sirens)
Beth Tobin (Hillhead Jordanhill)
*Scottish Rugby Regional Training Centre supported player.