Glasgow Warriors | Glasgow team for Celtic Challenge opener
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December 19, 2024

Glasgow team for Celtic Challenge opener

Posted by Editor on December 19, 2024 11:06 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Roma Fraser is at fullback for Warriors
Glasgow Head Coach Lindsey Smith has named a matchday 23 containing 15 new Warriors ahead of this weekend's 2024/25 Celtic Challenge opener against Edinburgh Hive Stadium on Friday (KO 7.35pm).

The squad is led by loose-head Ailie Tucker, the prop having been appointed as club captain ahead of the outset of the new campaign.

Tucker is joined in the front-row by Aicha Sutcliffe and Katie Lindsay, the latter having crossed for Corstorphine Cougars in last weekend's Premiership final.

Hillhead Jordanhill product Kate Yeomans joins Holland Bogan in the second-row, with the latter also serving as one of the squad's two vice-captains.

An all-new back-row sees Eilidh MacGilvray become the first woman from Highland RFC to represent Glasgow Warriors, the flanker lining up alongside Emily Coubrough and Freya Walker in the loose-forwards.

Behind the scrum, a settled half-back combination sees Mairi McDonald return to Glasgow action at scrum-half, partnering vice-captain and fly-half, Ceitidh Ainsworth, behind the scrum.

Lisa Martin makes her first appearance for Glasgow Warriors in the Celtic Challenge after the former Scotland international's impressive campaign for Corstorphine Cougars, lining up alongside Orla Proctor in the midfield for tomorrow night's clash.

Two returning Warriors can be found in the back-three in the form of Roma Fraser and Sky Phimister, with Grace Deane completing the starting XV on the wing.

Megan Hyland is the sole member of the replacements to have appeared for the Warriors in last season's Celtic Challenge, with the hooker joined by her Garioch team-mate Alex Ward and Poppy Clarkson as the front-row cover.

University of Strathclyde student Aisha Zameer wears the number 19 jersey, with Hillhead Jordanhill team-mate Erinn Foley completing the forwards awaiting their opportunity off the bench.

A mix of youth and experience lies in wait on the bench, as scrum-half Mary Nelson and centre Briar McNamara join 17-year-old Poppy Mellanby - who could become the youngest-ever Warrior in the club's history - amongst the replacements.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org:, "We're excited by the potential of this squad, and everyone is looking forward to getting out onto the field tomorrow night.

"Training has been focused and competitive, with all the players looking to be involved in our first game of the season.

"Edinburgh will provide us with a stern test first up, and we know we will need to be at our best to meet the challenge."

Glasgow Warriors

15 Roma Fraser

14 Sky Phimister
13 Orla Proctor
12 Lisa Martin
11 Grace Deane

10 Ceitidh Ainsworth
9 Mairi McDonald

1 Ailie Tucker (Captain)
2 Aicha Sutcliffe
3 Katie Lindsay
4 Holland Bogan
5 Kate Yeomans
6 Eilidh MacGilvray
7 Emily Coubrough
8 Freya Walker

Substitutes

16 Megan Hyland
17 Poppy Clarkson
18 Alex Ward
19 Aisha Zameer
20 Erinn Foley
21 Mary Nelson
22 Poppy Mellanby
23 Briar McNamara