The Thistles Head Coach, Claire Cruikshank, has named her side to face the Welsh Development XV in this Sunday’s opening Celtic Challenge fixture at Scotstoun Stadium (22 January, kick-off 2.30pm).
The University of Edinburgh’s Meryl Smith will captain the side, while Panashe Muzambe and Mairi McDonald join the starting line-up after being released by Exeter Chiefs for this weekend’s match.
The front-row sees hooker Aila Ronald pack down alongside Muzambe and Elliann Clarke, while Erinn Foley links up with Natasha Logan in the second-row. Freya Walker will anchor the back-row alongside Jess Fyfe and Eva Donaldson.
Sarah Denholm forms a half-back partnership with Mairi McDonald, while skipper Smith partners Emma Orr in the midfield.
The back-three sees Roma Fraser at full-back, with Francesca McGhie and Holly McIntyre lining-up on the wing.
Cruikshank said: “It’s been a really tough selection process but I’ve been really encouraged by the hard-work and effort shown at our recent training sessions.
“I’m delighted to appoint Meryl as our captain this weekend. She’s a fantastic player who I’ve worked with for a number of seasons now and this weekend provides the perfect opportunity to develop her leadership skills.”
The Thistles line-up to face Welsh Development XV at Scotstoun Stadium (Sunday 22 January, kick-off 2.30pm)
15. Roma Fraser (Cartha Queens Park)
14. Holly McIntyre (University of Edinburgh)
13. Emma Orr (Biggar)
12. Meryl Smith CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh)
11. Francesca McGhie (Watsonians)
10. Sarah Denholm (University of Edinburgh)
9. Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs)
1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs)
2. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)
3. Elliann Clarke (University of Edinburgh)
4. Erinn Foley (Hillhead Jordanhill)
5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)
6. Eva Donaldson (University of Edinburgh)
7. Jess Fyfe (Cartha Queens Park)
8. Freya Walker (Watsonians)
Replacements
16. Nikki Simpson (Garioch)
17. Lindsay McDiarmid (Garioch)
18. Molly Poolman (Watsonians)
19. Charlotte Boan (Cartha Queens Park)
20. Emma Turner (Corstorphine Cougars)
21. Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh)
22. Carla McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill)
23. Rachel Philipps (University of Edinburgh)
Area Development
RAF take flight to retain Tri-Services title at Murrayfield
Tue 2 Jun 2026
Player Pathway
Cruikshank thrilled to take on new National Academy Manager role at Scottish Rugby
Fri 29 May 2026
Scotland Women
Scottish Rugby introduce new Women’s Performance and Pathway system as Cruikshank appointed as first National Academy Manager
Thu 28 May 2026
Area Development
Friends of Scottish Rugby continues support for state schools with Selkirk High School donation
Wed 27 May 2026
Area Development
Gallery: Community Game Conference 2026
Mon 25 May 2026
Area Development
Trailblazing referee Sara Cox confirmed for Community Game Conference
Tue 19 May 2026
Area Development
Final programme confirmed for the 2026 Community Game Conference
Wed 13 May 2026
Cup & Competitions
Report: Falkirk RFC 5-45 Gala RFC
Sat 9 May 2026
Player Pathway
Anya and her dad dare to dream
Fri 8 May 2026
Cup & Competitions
Women’s National Bowl Final preview
Tue 5 May 2026
Cup & Competitions
Silver Saturday preview
Fri 24 Apr 2026
Cup & Competitions
Silver Saturday 2026 | Match reports
Fri 24 Apr 2026
Cup & Competitions
Silver Saturday finalists confirmed
Mon 20 Apr 2026
Area Development
Ken Macaulay cup contested for first time
Fri 17 Apr 2026
Player Pathway
Report: Scotland U18 33-19 Georgia U18
Sat 11 Apr 2026
Player Pathway
Report: Wales U18 45-12 Scotland U18
Fri 10 Apr 2026
Player Pathway
U18 men team named for festival finale
Fri 10 Apr 2026
Area Development
New Community Game Conference guest speakers announced
Fri 10 Apr 2026
Player Pathway
Team named for final U18 women festival test
Thu 9 Apr 2026
Player Pathway
Report: Italy U18 23-19 Scotland U18
Tue 7 Apr 2026
