Coubrough ready for intense derby battle

A testament to her durability and importance to the side, Coubrough has been given the nod to start at number eight again against inter-city derby rivals, Edinburgh Rugby, and the Warriors stalwart knows exactly what to expect.

“I think they are really going to bring it to us,” she said. “They maybe haven’t had the results they’ve wanted this season but it’s always an intense game. They may be our friends, but on the pitch, both teams are very much going for the win.

“But I think it’ll be quite fast and hopefully there will be lots of exciting tries. It sounds like it’s going to be a great atmosphere to be a part of and bigger than usual so I’m really excited to see how that game goes.”

Coubrough’s recent performances have demonstrated her determination to make up for lost time with last year’s injury setbacks, as she continued: “I think for me off the back of quite a few injuries last year getting back into Glasgow was about finding my feet a bit again but also continuing to build on my performance, push forward, learn from those around me and get results.

“Even though we haven’t got the results we wanted, I think the scoring point side of things, having successes within our squad and achieving our own wee goals has been massive for us.”

This season has already delivered several memorable moments for Warriors but the side’s first ever away win against Brython Thunder stands out in particular for Coubrough.

“That first win away was huge,” she said. “We finished the season last year at Parc Y Scarlets with a loss which was pretty gutting because that is one that we really wanted to win. To then start the season where we left off, go out and get a really good win with a very similar core squad from last year was special.

“I feel like we really came together for that win. Across the whole tournament, we’ve been scoring tries and it’s been great fun. Results haven’t always gone our way, but it’s been a great team to be a part of. And then that Gwalia win as well was just very special.”

A product of Biggar Rugby Club, Coubrough progressed through the West pathway which strengthened her connection to Glasgow.

She said: “Being part of the pathway, we were put into the west pathway through Biggar. Even though at that point it wasn’t as closely associated with the Warriors as it is now, I still always felt like Glasgow was the pathway I wanted to be part of.

“I’m always going to be a Warrior. I love being a part of Glasgow Warriors – it’s a great team. The men’s side have had so much success, so to be part of this club and hopefully start bringing success to our squad as well is really special.”

As Warriors look to end their last home match of the season on a high, and in front of a record home attendance for a standalone women’s game, Coubrough acknowledges how special the atmosphere at Scotstoun has been for the squad this season.

“It’s been so awesome playing at home and having different clubs bearing the flags every week – it’s been awesome as we run out,” she explained. “And then post-match we see so many little girls and boys coming down every week as well.

“It’s really nice to know that you’re inspiring the next generation because even though I only started playing rugby about six or seven years ago, there wasn’t as much exposure for me.

“It’s exciting that they can see us playing and hopefully see us win on Friday. But yeah, just to keep them all coming down would be amazing and to keep growing the numbers would be incredible as well.”

Tickets for Friday night’s Glasgow Warriors match against Edinburgh Rugby are available here. Secure your tickets now and show your support at Scotstoun Stadium!