Glasgow Warriors confirm core squad for Celtic Challenge

• 19 Dec 2023

A core squad of 30 of Scotland’s brightest talents will represent Glasgow Warriors in the Celtic Challenge later this month, as preparations continue for the side’s debut in the competition.

In total, 10 clubs are represented by the 30 players selected by Head Coach Chris Laidlaw and his coaching team, with the Warriors set to run out for the first time at Hive Stadium on Saturday 30 December when they take on Edinburgh (kick-off 12pm).

Newly-crowned Premiership champions Stirling County are able to boast the highest number of players selected, with Ceitidh Ainsworth – scorer of two tries in the final victory over Watsonian FC – one of six standouts selected from the Bridgehaugh outfit.

Watsonians themselves contribute four players to the squad including try-scoring back-rower Lucy Winter, whilst traditional Glasgow heavyweights Hillhead Jordanhill provide five players to the setup.

Six of the Glasgow Warriors squad were involved with Scotland U18 in the Six Nations Festival earlier this year, including second-rower Holland Bogan, who captained the national squad in their final match of the festival against Italy at Wellington College.

Four sponsors will also support the club in the Celtic Challenge, all featuring on a bespoke kit to be worn by the team; SP Energy Networks will be the club’s Main Partner alongside The Malcolm Group, KubeNet and HF Group, with each sponsor proud to play a part in the club’s journey and support the Celtic Challenge.

Speaking following the announcement, Head Coach Laidlaw told glasgowwarriors.org: “As a coaching group, we are delighted to name this group of players and are excited about the potential and growth within the group.

“These players have a unique opportunity to push for matchday squads and be part of the first Glasgow Warriors women’s team, and create their own piece of history within this club.

“It’s great to see so many clubs and universities represented within the group, and we look forward to seeing lots of supporters from those clubs at Scotstoun and getting behind the Warriors.”

Glasgow Warriors squad for the 2023/24 Celtic Challenge

Props

Chloe Brown (Stirling County)
Eilidh Fleming (Stirling County)*
Kaylee Fraser (Corstorphine Cougars)
Debbie Lee (Hillhead Jordanhill)
Hannah McMahon (Edinburgh University)
Ailie Tucker (Watsonian FC)

Hookers

Karis Craig (Watsonian FC)*
Nikki Simpson (Garioch)*

Second Rowers

Holland Bogan (Stirling County)*
Eve Thomson (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
Ellie Williamson (West of Scotland)*

Back Rowers

Sophie Anderson (Watsonian FC)
Megan Hyland (Garioch)*
Alex Love (West of Scotland)
Alison Orr (Biggar)
Kirsty Ritchie (Biggar)*
Emma Turner (Corstorphine Cougars)
Lucy Winter (Watsonian FC)

Scrum-Halves

Rhea Clarke (Edinburgh University)*
Rebekah Douglas (Corstorphine Cougars)*

Fly-Halves

Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County)*
Carla McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill)*

Centres

Pearl Kellie (Heriot’s Blues)
Lucy MacRae (Edinburgh University)*
Claudia McClaren (Stirling County)

Back Three

Charlotte Burrows (Garioch)*
Roma Fraser (Hillhead Jordanhill)*
Sky Phimister (Stirling County)*
Pheadra Snailham (Stewartry Sirens)
Beth Tobin (Hillhead Jordanhill)

*Scottish Rugby Regional Training Centre supported player.