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Smith makes two changes for Edinburgh clash

26 Dec 2025

Glasgow Warriors Women Head Coach Lindsey Smith has made two changes to her starting line-up for tomorrow’s Celtic Challenge clash against Edinburgh Rugby at Hive Stadium (Saturday 27 December, kick-off 12 noon) – live on BBC Sport.

20.12.25 - Brython Thunder v Glasgow Warriors, Celtic Challenge - Gemma Bell of Glasgow Warriors breaks for the line to set up a try for Ailsa Merryweather of Glasgow Warriors

Smith has opted for consistency in her selection, rewarding the side that claimed an impressive 17-36 win against Brython Thunder last weekend and a first ever away win in the Celtic Challenge competition.

The front-row sees Freya Gracie continue to pack down alongside an unchanged prop pairing of Megan Hyland and Imogen Spence.

Sophie Murphy comes into the starting line-up and will link-up with Holland Bogan in the second row, while Samaanther Taganekurukuru, Gemma Bell and Emily Coubrough are all once again named in the back-row.

Rianna Darroch and Ceitidh Ainsworth retain their half-back partnership, while Beth Blacklock joins the fold to partner Nicole Flynn in the midfield.

The back-three sees last week’s try-scoring trio retain their positions, with Poppy Mellanby starting at full-back and Sky Phimister and Hannah Smyth lining up on the wings.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s fixture, Smith said: “It was fantastic to start our campaign with a win down in Wales but our attention quickly turned to this Saturday’s fixture against Edinburgh.

“Edinburgh are a well-drilled side with plenty of quality so we’re very aware of the challenge they will present, however, last weekend we showed that we can be clinical when opportunities arise and now the emphasis is on delivering a complete 80-minute performance tomorrow.”

Glasgow Warriors Women team to face Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge at Hive Stadium (Saturday 27 December, kick-off 12 noon)

1 Freya Gracie
2. Megan Hyland
3. Imogen Spence
4. Holland Bogan (co-captain)
5. Sophie Murphy
6. Samaanther Taganekurukuru
7. Gemma Bell
8. Emily Coubrough

9. Rianna Darroch
10. Ceitidh Ainsworth (co-captain)
11. Hannah Smyth
12. Beth Blacklock
13. Nicole Flynn
14. Sky Phimister
15. Poppy Mellanby

Replacements

16. Aicha Sutcliffe
17. Neve Finlay
18. Katie Lindsay
19. Gemma Thomson
20. Freya Walker
21. Rebekah Douglas
22. Briar McNamara
23. Emily Norval