Trio to make first starts for Glasgow Warriors

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 27: Warriors players emerge for the first-half before a Celtic Challenge match between Glasgow Warriors Women and Clovers at Scotstoun Stadium, on January 27, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Simon Wootton / SNS Group)

The trio are amongst seven alterations to the lineup for the clash in Colwyn Bay this weekend, as Chris Laidlaw’s squad look to earn their first win of the competition before the Celtic Challenge splits for the final three rounds of fixtures.

Brown is the only change to the front-row that took on the Clovers seven days ago at Scotstoun, the Stirling County prop replacing the injured Eilidh Fleming and joining top try-scorer Ailie Tucker and hooker Nikki Simpson up front.

An unchanged second-row sees Eve Thomson retain her place alongside co-captain Emma Turner, the former having been part of a Glasgow starting XV for the first time last time out.

Hyland is selected to start at number eight after making an instant impact off the bench at Scotstoun, as the Garioch product slots in alongside Holland Bogan and Izzy Hannay – a try-scorer against the Clovers – in the back-row.

Co-captain Rhea Clarke draws into the starting lineup behind the scrum, as she partners Ceitidh Ainsworth in the half-backs.

Chicot starts at inside centre in an all-new centre combination, partnering the returning Claudia McLaren in the midfield for tomorrow’s trip to Colwyn Bay.

Carla McDonald retains the full-back jersey, alongside a new wing pairing for this weekend’s clash; Pearl Kellie comes in for Phaedra Snailham to make her first appearance since round two, whilst Roma Fraser takes the place of the injured Sky Phimister on the opposite flank.

Two new Warriors could make their club debuts if called upon at Stadiwm CSM tomorrow afternoon, as Stirling County hooker Aicha Sutcliffe and Biggar back-rower Ali Orr are named in a Glasgow matchday 23 for the first time.

Debbie Lee and Kaylee Fraser join Sutcliffe amongst the front-row cover for the clash with the Thunder, whilst Ellie Williamson and Lucy Winter complete the cohort of six forwards selected on the bench.

The back-line is covered by the experienced figure of Mairi McDonald, after an agreed release from Exeter Chiefs for the fixture, and Lucy MacRae, who rotates to the bench after starting each of the club’s matches to date.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Laidlaw told glasgowwarriors.org: “We’ve had a really positive week of reflection from the Clovers game and preparation heading into our final game before the split.

“We know heading down to Wales presents us with great opportunity to deliver a performance that shows what this group is about; we know that we have to start better than we did against the Clovers to get us into the game and be competitive for longer periods.

“Megan [Hyland] comes in for her first start after impressing off the bench last week as does Giselle [Chicot], who has earned her chance in the midfield, whilst Rhea [Clarke] starts after bringing some great energy off the bench in recent weeks.

“We’re also pleased for Ali [Orr] to make her Glasgow Warriors debut; she’s worked incredibly hard since day one of being involved in the programme and she deserves this opportunity. Aicha [Sutcliffe], too, could make her first appearance this weekend; she’s a young player with a lot of potential and we’re excited to see how she goes tomorrow.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Brython Thunder at Stadiwm CSM, Saturday 3 February, kick-off 2.30pm. You can watch the match live for free on RugbyPass TV.

1 Ailie Tucker
2 Nikki Simpson
3 Chloe Brown
4 Eve Thomson
5 Emma Turner (CC)
6 Holland Bogan
7 Izzy Hannay
8 Megan Hyland

9 Rhea Clarke (CC)
10 Ceitidh Ainsworth
11 Pearl Kellie
12 Giselle Chicot
13 Claudia McLaren
14 Roma Fraser
15 Carla McDonald

Replacements

16 Aicha Sutcliffe
17 Debbie Lee
18 Kaylee Fraser
19 Ellie Williamson
20 Ali Orr
21 Lucy Winter
22 Mairi McDonald
23 Lucy MacRae