Allan to make Glasgow Warriors debut

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Lindsey Smith has made five alterations to the starting line-up for the third round of the Celtic Challenge competition, as Aicha Sutcliffe, Freya Walker, Gemma Thomson and Briar McNamara are promoted to the starting XV, while Allan makes her club debut on the wing.

Fired up 🔥

Catch our Women’s team in their first home game of their season this Saturday against Gwalia Lightning at 12.30pm 🏉

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— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) January 7, 2026

The front-row sees hooker Megan Hyland pack down alongside Sutcliffe and Imogen Spence.

In the pack, co-captain Holland Bogan partners Freya Walker in the second-row, while Emily Coubrough anchors the back-row with Thomson and Gemma Bell at blindside and openside flanker respectively.

In the half-backs, Rianna Darroch will pull the strings with co-captain Ceitidh Ainsworth for the third successive outing, while McNamara forms a midfield partnership with Nicole Flynn.

The back-three sees Poppy Mellanby continue at full-back, with Allan and Sky Phimister lining up on the wings.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s fixture, Smith said: “We’re excited to finally take to the field at home and welcome a very competitive Gwalia Lightning side to Scotstoun.

“It’s been a long wait, but the chance to play in front of our own supporters has really lifted the squad this week and brought an extra edge to our preparation.

“Gwalia Lightning are a quality outfit, and we’re relishing the chance to measure ourselves against them.”

Get along and support Glasgow Warriors this Saturday as they face Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge, with match tickets available HERE.

Glasgow Warriors Women team to face Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge at Scotstoun Stadium (Saturday 10 January, kick-off 12.30pm)

1. Aicha Sutcliffe
2. Megan Hyland
3. Imogen Spence
4. Holland Bogan (co-captain)
5. Freya Walker
6. Gemma Thomson
7. Gemma Bell
8. Emily Coubrough

9. Rianna Darroch
10. Ceitidh Ainsworth (co-captain)
11. Robyn Allan
12. Briar McNamara
13. Nicole Flynn
14. Sky Phimister
15. Poppy Mellanby

Replacements
16. Nikki Simpson
17. Freya Gracie
18. Katie Lindsay
19. Sophie Murphy
20. Eilidh MacGilvray
21. Rebekah Douglas
22. Beth Blacklock
23. Hannah Smyth