Edinburgh Rugby name squad for 25/26 Celtic Challenge

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 20: Edinburgh huddle together during a Celtic Challenge Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors at the Hive Stadium, on December 20, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

The capital side start their campaign in Dublin before returning to Hive Stadium on Saturday 27 December for the hotly anticipated inter-city derby against Glasgow Warriors – forming a derby-day double header with the respective men’s sides meeting in the 1872 Cup at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on the same day.

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank confirmed the 35-player group following a period of training with an extended group, with several familiar faces returning to capital action.

The capital’s core squad of eight players, who will all be supported through the centralised Scottish Rugby programme, include Scotland internationals Alex Stewart and Adelle Ferrie, as well as last year’s Player of the Season Hannah Walker.

The complete squad also includes the return of star winger Cieron Bell – Edinburgh’s first-ever try scorer – who will look to continue her impressive scoring record in capital colours.

On the squad, Cruikshank said: “It’s great to have our final squad confirmed for the Celtic Challenge. There’s a lot of talent in the squad, with some that the fans will be familiar with, but also a few youngsters that will be looking to impress in their first involvement in the tournament.

“We’re buzzing to get going, and we’re particularly excited to for the derby day double header against Glasgow on the 27^th. We’ve always had big crowds against the Warriors, so hoping for another big support this year!”

Edinburgh Rugby Women’s squad 2025/26

Forwards

Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)
Alex Stewart (University of Edinburgh)
Alina Prokopenko (Heriot’s)
Alison Wilson (Heriot’s)
Angharad Hopwood (Stirling County)
Cat Moody (University of Edinburgh)
Ellie Moffat (University of Edinburgh)
Faye Sutherland (Heriot’s)
Hannah McMahon (Watsonians)
Kay Lusby (Heriot’s)
Kaylee Fraser (Corstorphine Cougars)
Lauryn McGrotty (Corstorphine Cougars)
Lottie Russell (Watsonians)
Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)
Millie Whitehouse (Watsonians)
Molly Poolman (Watsonians)
Natasha Logan (Stirling County)
Nicola Howat (Watsonians)
Talei Tawake (Watsonians)

Backs

Ami Conchie (Watsonians)
Bethan Mathieson (Heriot’s)
Cieron Bell (Watsonians)
Emily Love (Watsonians)
Hannah Ramsay (Watsonians)
Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh)
Helen Frater (Heriot’s)
Lisa Brown (University of Edinburgh)
Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh)
Morven Thomson (Heriot’s)
Niamh Waters (University of Edinburgh)
Nicole Marlow (Watsonians)
Pip Benson (Corstorphine Cougars)
Scarlett Haddow (Stirling County)
Tamzin Rosie (Heriot’s)

Tickets for all Edinburgh Rugby home matches in the 2025/26 Celtic Challenge are on sale now – click here to secure your seat!