EDINBURGH RUGBY
Overview
Edinburgh Rugby Women return for their second Celtic Challenge campaign, building on a strong debut season that saw them finish as runners-up. The team continues to develop as a vital part of the Scottish Rugby Female Performance Pipeline, offering a clear pathway for players aspiring to reach the international stage. Home matches are played at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh.
Coaching Team
Head Coach: Claire Cruikshank
Claire Cruikshank resumes her role as head coach, now on a full-time basis. A former Scotland international and experienced coach, Cruikshank has previously led the University of Edinburgh’s women’s rugby program and held coaching roles with the Swedish Women’s National Team and Scotland U20s. Her leadership is instrumental in developing talent within the team and the broader Scottish rugby landscape.
2024/25 Squad
Forwards
- Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
- Aila Ronald* (University of Edinburgh)
- Alex Stewart* (Corstorphine Cougars)
- Alison Wilson (Heriot’s)
- Caroline Bullock (University of Edinburgh)
- Charlotte Russell (Watsonians)
- Chloe Brown (Stirling County)
- Faye Sutherland (Corstorphine Cougars)
- Georgia Young (Watsonians)
- Hannah McMahon (University of Edinburgh)
- Karis Craig* (Watsonians)
- Megan Riach (Garioch)
- Merryn Gunderson* (Corstorphine Cougars)
- Millie Capaldi (Heriot’s)
- Molly Poolman* (Watsonians)
- Natasha Logan* (University of Edinburgh)
- Samaanther Taganekurukuru (Stirling County)
- Talei Tawake* (Watsonians)
Backs
- Ami Conchie (Watsonians)
- April McKenzie (Watsonians)
- Dawn Lawrie (Watsonians)
- Emily Love (Corstorphine Cougars)
- Giselle Chicot (Watsonians)
- Hannah Ramsay* (University of Edinburgh)
- Hannah Walker* (University of Edinburgh)
- Holly McIntyre* (University of Edinburgh)
- Lisa Brown* (University of Edinburgh)
- Lucy MacRae* (University of Edinburgh)
- Pip Benson (Corstorphine Cougars)
- Rhea Clarke* (University of Edinburgh)
*Scottish Rugby Women’s Academy Players
Leadership
- Captain: Alex Stewart
- Vice-Captains: Aila Ronald and Hannah Walker
Alex Stewart leads the team as captain, bringing experience and leadership to the forward pack. Vice-captains Aila Ronald and Hannah Walker provide additional guidance and support, both on and off the field.
