Tucker to lead Glasgow Warriors in Celtic Challenge

Ailie Tucker will captain Glasgow Warriors in their 2024/25 Celtic Challenge campaign, as preparations continue for the squad’s opening match of the new season this weekend.

The loose-head prop featured in all seven of the club’s matches during their inaugural season, scoring three tries – one of which came in the club’s first-ever match against Edinburgh last December.

Suited and booted 🔵⚫️

New threads for the 2024/25 Celtic Challenge – and team news coming your way shortly… 👀#WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/mt5GO9sECz

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) December 19, 2024

Her impressive performances throughout the season saw Tucker named as the club’s Women’s Players’ Player of the Season at the 2023/24 Glasgow Warriors Awards Dinner.

Tucker will be assisted by a brace of vice-captains, with Holland Bogan and Ceitidh Ainsworth also named in the club’s leadership group by Head Coach, Lindsey Smith.

Suited and booted 🔵⚫️

New threads for the 2024/25 Celtic Challenge – and team news coming your way shortly… 👀#WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/mt5GO9sECz

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) December 19, 2024

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to lead this team,” Tucker told glasgowwarriors.org.

“When I saw Lindsey’s name flash up on my phone, I thought I was in trouble! It was a great conversation to have with her, though, and I was absolutely delighted – a little shocked too, but over the moon.

“I definitely feel more confident in my game, as well as in my leadership ability, than I did 12 months ago. I like getting the forwards wound up and ready for action, so Lindsey must have seen something in me and thought I was the right fit!

“I’m buzzing to get going again, starting with Friday night away to Edinburgh. We’re all in good spirits and we’re targeting getting our first win under our belts this season.”

Head Coach Smith added: “Ailie’s one of our most experienced players and she led from the front last season through our performances.

“She’s well respected by the playing group and staff alike, and people want to play for her and with her. It was an easy decision to be honest. There were others considered, but ‘Tucks’ was the standout choice.

“We’re also pleased to name Holland and Ceitidh as vice-captains. All three of our leadership group come from clubs that perform well week in, week out, and spreading the leadership throughout the squad allows the players to grow.

“All three players will bring different leadership styles and we’ve seen already that they work well together – we look forward to seeing them out there this Friday.”