McDonald to captain Glasgow Warriors for first time

Mairi McDonald will lead Glasgow Warriors for the first time this Sunday, after the scrum-half was named as captain for this weekend’s Celtic Challenge clash with Gwalia Lightning.

The Scotland international – released by English outfit Exeter Chiefs to play in the fixture – deputises as captain for Ailie Tucker, who misses the match through illness.

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Scotland prop Lisa Cockburn is drafted in from Gloucester-Hartpury to start at loose-head in Tucker’s absence, packing down alongside Aicha Sutcliffe and Katie Lindsay in the front-row.

Vice-captain Holland Bogan joins Aisha Zameer in the second-row, the pair continuing their partnership after starting together against the Wolfhounds.

An unchanged back-row sees Erinn Foley and Gemma Bell start on the flanks, with Emily Coubrough continuing as number eight.

McDonald partners Ceitidh Ainsworth in the half-backs for the third outing in succession, the Stirling County fly-half also serving as vice-captain alongside Bogan.

Briar McNamara and Orla Proctor combine in the centres, the former having contributed her first points in a Glasgow jersey with a conversion last weekend.

The back-three sees Sky Phimster start for the second match in succession at full-back, with Grace Deane and Abi Evans – who made her Glasgow debut last weekend – continuing on the wings.

There are two changes to the replacements that lined up in Belfast last weekend, as Megan Hyland rotates to the bench to accommodate Sutcliffe’s inclusion at hooker.

Kate Yeomans also comes onto the bench in place of Freya Walker, whilst Poppy Mellanby – who became the club’s youngest-ever player in last weekend’s defeat – is retained for her second successive outing.

Alex Ward and Louise Downie continue as the cover at prop, whilst Rowann Sinclair, Mary Nelson and Izzy McGuire Evans all retain their places from last time out.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Lindsey Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “This weekend is another step in the development of this squad, as we prepare to face a Gwalia team who have shown up well in their matches so far.

“The players have applied themselves well this week, with everyone keen to get back out onto the field this Sunday.

“Our focus continues to be on putting the best version of ourselves onto the field as we can, and we look forward to continuing to progress as a group.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Gwalia Lightning, Sunday 12 January, kick-off 1pm.

1 Lisa Cockburn
2 Aicha Sutcliffe
3 Katie Lindsay
4 Holland Bogan
5 Aisha Zameer
6 Erinn Foley
7 Gemma Bell
8 Emily Coubrough

9 Mairi McDonald (c)
10 Ceitidh Ainsworth
11 Grace Deane
12 Briar McNamara
13 Orla Proctor
14 Abi Evans
15 Sky Phimister

Replacements

16 Megan Hyland
17 Alex Ward
18 Louise Downie
19 Kate Yeomans
20 Rowann Sinclair
21 Mary Nelson
22 Poppy Mellanby
23 Izzy McGuire Evans