Edinburgh Students and Alumni Selected for Celtic Challenge Women’s Rugby Programme

 An impressive cohort of current students and alumni has been selected selected for the 2025 Celtic Challenge - the elite cross-border competition seen by Scottish Rugby as a critical stepping stone towards full international representation.

Regarded as a pivotal component of the national high-performance pathway, the Celtic Challenge brings together top athletes from across Scotland, Ireland and Wales to compete in a high-quality, extended season of fixtures. This year’s competition has expanded significantly, offering 10 regular-season matches followed by newly introduced play-offs, including semi-finals and a final - a major step forward in increasing exposure, competitive pressure and professional experience for players across the tournament.

Squad investment has also grown, with team sizes increasing to 35 players, reflecting the rising standard and accelerating demand for opportunities in the women’s game.

The Edinburgh Rugby squad features a standout group of current University of Edinburgh students, underlining the strength of the University programme:

Ellie Moffat

Cat Moody

Aila Ronald

Alex Stewart

Lisa Brown

Lucy Macrae

Hannah Walker

Niamh Waters

Joining them is a strong list of alumni continuing to excel at the highest level:

Nicola Howat

Natasha Logan

Hannah McMahon

Millie Whitehouse

Cieron Bell

Helen Frater

Hannah Ramsay

University of Edinburgh athletes are also well represented at Glasgow Warriors, with current students earning places in the squad:

Emily Coubrough

Poppy Fletcher

Imogen Spence

Nicole Flynn

Poppy Mellanby

Showcase Match: Glasgow v Edinburgh - A Historic Double Header

One of the highlights of the competition comes on 27th December, when the Celtic Challenge sees Glasgow face Edinburgh in a double-header, played alongside the iconic Men’s 1872 Cup Match. The occasion represents another milestone moment for women’s rugby, offering a centre stage, increased support and heightened visibility for the next generation of players.

A Pathway Built on Progress, Ambition and Opportunity

The University of Edinburgh’s player representation across both squads reflects a sustained commitment to developing players who thrive academically and athletically, progressing seamlessly into professional environments and onto the international stage.

We are proud of every University of Edinburgh student and alumna selected - a powerful statement of the legacy and continued ambition of women’s rugby in Edinburgh.

This is a programme where futures are shaped, pathways are proven, and women’s rugby continues to rise.