Edinburgh Rugby's first-ever women’s squad announced

Edinburgh Rugby today announced its first-ever women’s squad for the upcoming Celtic Challenge.

Newly announced Head Coach Claire Cruikshank confirmed the final 30-player group, which is set for its first match as part of an intercity double header – facing Glasgow Warriors at Hive Stadium a week on Saturday (30 December, kick-off 12 noon), before the men’s teams get underway at Scottish Gas Murrayfield at 3pm.

The side features players drawn from local club sides – Women’s Premiership finalists Watsonian FC and Stirling County, Heriot’s Blues, Corstorphine Cougars, and the University of Edinburgh – and includes full Scotland internationalists Emma Orr and Sarah Denholm, as well as a number of Scotland Age-Grade internationals.

On the finalised squad, 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