Squads named in final regular round of Celtic Challenge | Preview

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 06: Edinburgh's Emma Orr scores a try during a Celtic Challenge match between Edinburgh Rugby Women and Wolfhounds at Hive Stadium, on January 06, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Edinburgh Rugby v Clovers

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has made two changes to the starting line-up for tomorrow’s crucial Celtic Challenge against the Irish Clovers at Hive Stadium (3 February, kick-off 12.30pm).

Scotland internationalist Panashe Muzambe moves into the starting line-up having scored a last-minute winning try in last weekend’s win away against Gwalia Lightning, while Leia Brebner-Holden will make her first start for the club at scrum-half.

Lock Fiona McIntosh returns to the matchday 23 having been released by Saracens for the fixture, with Stirling County back-row Samaanther Taganekurukuru in line for her debut from the bench.

The capital side have been in impressive form, sitting in second place having won three from four matches, each win with a try scoring bonus-points. A win tomorrow(or two match points) will guarantee a spot in the top three of the competition and a place in the major play-offs regardless of other results.

On the selection, Cruikshank said: “This is a massive game for us, and an exciting chance to try and secure our place in the major play-offs of the tournament.

“It’s great to see there will be another big crowd at Hive Stadium. The support from the Edinburgh fans has been unreal so far and we can’t wait to be playing in-front of them at home again.

“We saw how dangerous Clovers can be in their game against Glasgow last weekend, so we know we’ll have to be at the top of our game to beat them.”

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Clovers at Hive Stadium (Saturday 3 Feb, kick-off 12.30pm) – live on BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and RugbyPass TV.

15. Nicole Marlow (Cardiff Met)**
14. Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh)*
13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s/Biggar RFC)*
12. Lisa Thomson (GB Sevens)
11. Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh)*
10. Sarah Denholm (University of Edinburgh)* CAPTAIN
9. Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester Hartpury & Cheltenham Tigers)**

1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs)**
2. Millie Whitehouse (University of Edinburgh)*
3. Molly Poolman (Watsonians FC)*
4. Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)*
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)
7. Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars)* VICE-CAPTAIN
8. Freya Walker (Watsonian FC)*

Replacements

16. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)*
17. Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh)*
18. Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars)*
19. Fiona McIntosh (Saracens)**
20. Samaanther Taganekurukuru (Stirling County)
21. Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning)
22. Briar McNamara (Watsonians FC)
23. Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh)*

*Scottish Rugby Regional Training Centre supported players
**Transitional SQ Player

Brython Thunder v Glasgow Warriors

Chloe Brown, Megan Hyland and Giselle Chicot will each make their first starts for Glasgow Warriors tomorrow afternoon, after being named in the starting XV to take on Brython Thunder in round five of the Celtic Challenge.

The trio are amongst seven alterations to the lineup for the clash in Colwyn Bay this weekend, as Chris Laidlaw’s squad look to earn their first win of the competition before the Celtic Challenge splits for the final three rounds of fixtures.

Two new Warriors could make their club debuts if called upon at Stadiwm CSM tomorrow afternoon, as Stirling County hooker Aicha Sutcliffe and Biggar back-rower Ali Orr are named in a Glasgow matchday 23 for the first time.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Laidlaw told glasgowwarriors.org: “We’ve had a really positive week of reflection from the Clovers game and preparation heading into our final game before the split.

“We know heading down to Wales presents us with great opportunity to deliver a performance that shows what this group is about; we know that we have to start better than we did against the Clovers to get us into the game and be competitive for longer periods.

“Megan [Hyland] comes in for her first start after impressing off the bench last week as does Giselle [Chicot], who has earned her chance in the midfield, whilst Rhea [Clarke] starts after bringing some great energy off the bench in recent weeks.

“We’re also pleased for Ali [Orr] to make her Glasgow Warriors debut; she’s worked incredibly hard since day one of being involved in the programme and she deserves this opportunity. Aicha [Sutcliffe], too, could make her first appearance this weekend; she’s a young player with a lot of potential and we’re excited to see how she goes tomorrow.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Brython Thunder at Stadiwm CSM, Saturday 3 February, kick-off 2.30pm. You can watch the match live for free on RugbyPass TV.

15. Carla McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
14. Roma Fraser (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
13. Claudia McLaren (Stirling County)
12. Giselle Chicot (Heriot’s Blues)
11. Pearl Kellie (Heriot’s Blues)
10. Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County)*
9. Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh* CO-CAPTAIN

8. Megan Hyland (Garioch)*
7. Izzy Hannay (Durham University & Harlequins)**
6. Holland Bogan (Stirling County)*
5. Emma Turner (Corstorphine Cougars) CO-CAPTAIN
4. Eve Thomson (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
3. Chloe Brown (Stirling County)
2. Nikki Simpson (Garioch)*
1. Ailie Tucker (Watsonian FC)

Replacements

16. Aicha Sutcliffe (Stirling County)
17. Debbie Lee (Hillhead Jordanhill)
18. Kaylee Fraser (Corstorphine Cougars)
19. Ellie Williamson (West of Scotland)*
20. Ali Orr (Biggar)
21. Lucy Winter (Watsonian FC)
22. Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs)
23. Lucy MacRae (University of Edinburgh)*