Glasgow Warriors announce 2025/26 Celtic Challenge squad

21 of the squad were part of the playing group that earned a first-ever Celtic Challenge victory in 2024/25, with a further three Warriors – Claudia McLaren, Ellie Williamson and Nikki Simpson – returning to Glasgow colours after featuring in the club’s inaugural campaign in 2023/24.

Arnold Clark Premiership finalists Stirling County once again provide the largest number of players to the Glasgow Warriors squad, as 13 players from the Bridgehaugh outfit prepare to suit up for Smith’s squad across the 2025/26 season.

Included amongst that cohort are last season’s vice-captains Holland Bogan and Ceitidh Ainsworth, the latter of whom is joined by elder sister Ciorstaidh – a Scotland international in rugby league – for the first time.

Sky Phimister – scorer of the first try in last season’s Celtic Challenge -, Rebekah Douglas, Emily Norval, Gemma Thomson and Aicha Sutcliffe complete the cohort of returning Warriors from the Stirling setup, whilst Daisy Morrison, Samaanther Taganekurukuru and Sophie Murphy will be looking to pull on a Glasgow jersey for the first time.

Briar McNamara and Freya Walker are selected from Stirling’s opponents in the Premiership Final, Watsonians, the former returning after topping the points charts for the Warriors last season.

Hillhead Jordanhill provide six players to Smith’s setup, with new recruits Hannah Dunnett and Isla Gillan joining Eilidh MacGilvray, Abi Evans, Rianna Darroch and Millie Warren amongst the 35-strong group.

Poppy Mellanby – who became the club’s youngest-ever player when making her debut at just 17 years old last season – is one of five University of Edinburgh players selected after a strong BUCS campaign to date, the utility back linking up with Nicole Flynn, Poppy Fletcher, Imogen Spence and Emily Coubrough at Scotstoun.

Returning for a third campaign as a Glasgow Warrior, Megan Hyland is joined by Heriot’s squad-mate Gracie Ostey, whilst Shelley Main and Robyn Gibson make it a brace of players selected from Ayr RFC.

Neve Finlay is selected in the front-row after catching the eye for Wigtownshire RFC, with Robyn Allan flying the flag for Biggar amongst the backs.

Gemma Bell and Katie Lindsay complete the core squad, the former having made her Scotland debut away to England in last year’s Guinness Six Nations.

Speaking following the announcement, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “I’m excited to see the development of this playing group as we look to build upon the progress of last season.

“We’ve got a good blend of consistency, with 24 players having represented the club in previous seasons, and fresh faces, with everyone keen to be involved and driving each other forwards.

“I believe this is a group with a great deal of potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group comes together and fights for the badge on their chest when the Celtic Challenge kicks off.”

Glasgow Warriors core squad for the 2025/26 Celtic Challenge

Props

Neve Finlay (Wigtownshire RFC)
Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh)
Isla Gillan (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars)
Imogen Spence (University of Edinburgh)

Hookers

Megan Hyland (Heriot’s)
Nikki Simpson (Garioch RFC)
Aicha Sutcliffe (Stirling County)

Second Row

Ciorstaidh Ainsworth (Stirling County)
Holland Bogan (Stirling County)
Daisy Morrison (Stirling County)
Sophie Murphy (Stirling County)
Ellie Williamson (Stirling County)

Back Row

Gemma Bell (Hartpury University)
Emily Coubrough (University of Edinburgh)
Eilidh MacGilvray (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Shelley Main (Ayr RFC)
Samaanther Taganekurukuru (Stirling County)
Gemma Thomson (Stirling County)
Freya Walker (Watsonians)

Half Backs

Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County)
Rianna Darroch (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Rebekah Douglas (Stirling County)
Hannah Dunnett (Hillhead Jordanhill)

Centres

Robyn Allan (Biggar RFC)
Nicole Flynn (Stirling County)
Claudia McLaren (Stirling County)
Briar McNamara (Watsonians)
Millie Warren (Hillhead Jordanhill)

Back Three

Abi Evans (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Robynn Gibson (Ayr RFC)
Poppy Mellanby (University of Edinburgh)
Emily Norval (Stirling County)
Sky Phimister (Stirling County)

Tickets for all Glasgow Warriors home matches in the 2025/26 Celtic Challenge are on sale now – click here to secure your seat!