Two changes for Gwalia visit

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Lindsey Smith has made two changes to the starting XV that earned a first-ever Celtic Challenge victory over Edinburgh last weekend, as her side welcomes Gwalia Lightning to Scotstoun tomorrow afternoon.

Having earned a brace of bonus-points in a narrow defeat to the Welsh outfit earlier this season, Smith’s squad will be looking to continue their momentum as they host the Lightning for the first time in the competition’s history.

🤩 Secure your seats at Scotstoun on Saturday 1 March, as we celebrate grassroots rugby for our Origin Round Double-Header!

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) February 7, 2025

Poppy Fletcher comes in to start at loose-head after making her debut last time out, the prop starting in the front-row alongside Aicha Sutcliffe and Katie Lindsay.

An unchanged second-row sees Holland Bogan and Kate Yeomans continue their partnership, the latter having touched down for one of Glasgow’s six tries last weekend.

Freya Walker and Emily Coubrough start once more in the back-row, with Eilidh MacGilvray coming into the starting XV at openside in place of the injured Gemma Bell.

The back-line is retained from last weekend’s triumph, meaning Mairi McDonald and Ceitidh Ainsworth are once more paired as the half-back combination.

Orla Proctor lines up at outside centre, as she partners last weekend’s Player of the Match, Briar McNamara, in the midfield.

After a try on her debut last time out, Emily Norval is selected on the wings once more, as she joins fellow try-scorer Abi Evans and Poppy Mellanby in the back-three.

Club captain Ailie Tucker rotates to the bench after back-to-back 80-minute outings at loose-head, as she joins Megan Hyland and Eilidh Fleming as the front-row cover.

Aisha Zameer wears the number 19 jersey, whilst Sophie Price returns to the matchday 23 after missing out on last weekend’s victory.

Rianna Darroch retains her place amongst the replacements after making her Glasgow Warriors debut last weekend, with Millie Warren and Lisa Martin rounding out the matchday squad.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “We know that another full 80-minute performance is required against Gwalia tomorrow, as we look to build upon last weekend’s victory.

“The result last Saturday has given the squad a real boost, with an extra buzz around training this week.

“We know Gwalia will pose a stern, physical test tomorrow and we need to be at our best to match their level.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Gwalia Lightning at Scotstoun in the Celtic Challenge, Saturday 22 February, kick-off 1pm. Tickets are available at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Poppy Fletcher
2 Aicha Sutcliffe
3 Katie Lindsay
4 Holland Bogan
5 Kate Yeomans
6 Freya Walker
7 Eilidh MacGilvray
8 Emily Coubrough

9 Mairi McDonald (C)
10 Ceitidh Ainsworth
11 Emily Norval
12 Briar McNamara
13 Orla Proctor
14 Abi Evans
15 Poppy Mellanby

Replacements

16 Megan Hyland
17 Ailie Tucker
18 Eilidh Fleming
19 Aisha Zameer
20 Sophie Price
21 Rianna Darroch
22 Millie Warren
23 Lisa Martin