Key Points
- Edinburgh Rugby women’s centre Lisa Brown returns to the starting lineup for the home rematch against Gwalia Lightning at Hive Stadium on 24 January at 1pm kick-off.
- The team suffered a 31-17 defeat to Gwalia Lightning in their previous away match on 17 January, marked by a hard-fought contest with multiple lead changes and disciplinary issues.
- Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has made four changes to the starting lineup, including Alison Wilson at loosehead prop, Lucy MacRae and Giselle Chicot in the centres, and Nicole Marlow at full-back.
- The back-row remains unchanged with captain Alex Stewart, Charlotte Fosbeary, and Merryn Gunderson, as Edinburgh seek to reverse the recent result on home soil.
- Tickets are available for the match, which represents an immediate opportunity for Edinburgh to settle the score after coming close to victory last time.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) 23 January – Edinburgh Rugby women’s team has welcomed back centre Lisa Brown for Saturday’s crucial rematch against Gwalia Lightning at Hive Stadium.
The match, set for 1pm kick-off, follows a narrow 31-17 loss for Edinburgh in their previous encounter with the Welsh side at Ystrad Mynach on 17 January. That game saw Edinburgh trail early but fight back with tries from hooker Ronald and stand-off Hannah Ramsay, only for Gwalia to capitalise on a sin-bin and late errors.
Who is Returning to Boost Edinburgh’s Lineup?
Edinburgh Rugby has confirmed the return of experienced centre Lisa Brown, who bolsters the midfield for the home fixture against Gwalia Lightning. According to the official Edinburgh Rugby announcement, Brown features in the starting lineup for tomorrow’s visit of Gwalia to Hive Stadium on 24 January at 1pm.
As reported by Edinburgh Rugby, this rematch provides an instant chance to overturn the recent defeat, with Brown rejoining the squad after being listed among unavailable players in prior selections. The team’s focus now shifts to home advantage at Hive Stadium, where supporters can secure tickets directly through club channels.
What Happened in the First Gwalia Clash?
The initial meeting between the sides on 17 January proved a tense affair, with Edinburgh falling 31-17 despite showing resilience. Edinburgh Rugby’s match report details how Gwalia levelled early through an overlap exploit, before edging ahead with a recycled possession try to lead 10-5.
How Did Key Moments Unfold?
Edinburgh responded via a lineout drive touchdown by hooker Ronald for a 12-10 lead, but a sin-bin in the final minute allowed Gwalia to crash over for a 17-12 half-time advantage. The second half saw Gwalia extend to 24-12 from an overthrown lineout turnover, with Ramsay’s quick-tap try narrowing the gap to 24-17 on 66 minutes. Gwalia sealed victory with a late pick-and-go, as per the Edinburgh Rugby account.
Edinburgh had travelled with four changes, including debutant Kay Lusby at number eight, for that Ystrad Mynach trip on 16 January previewed by the club.
What Changes Has Coach Cruikshank Made?
Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has introduced four alterations to the starting XV for the rematch, aiming to address lessons from the loss. Edinburgh Rugby reports the inclusions of loosehead prop Alison Wilson, centres Lucy MacRae and Giselle Chicot, and full-back Nicole Marlow, who earns her first start of the campaign after Celtic Challenge appearances last season.
The back three comprises wingers Hannah Walker and Shona Campbell alongside Marlow, with Campbell shifting from outside centre. The midfield reunion of MacRae and Chicot brings prior seasonal synergy, while the back-row stays intact with captain Alex Stewart at openside flanker, Charlotte Fosbeary at blindside, and Merryn Gunderson at number eight.
Cruikshank commented on the quick turnaround:
“It’s disappointing to have been on the wrong side of the result last week, but it’s great to have the chance to go against Gwalia so soon. We played some really good stuff last week, but there are also learnings that we need to take into Saturday.”
This follows a similar four-change approach for the original trip, as noted in club previews.
What Are the Broader Implications for Edinburgh Rugby Women?
This rematch holds significance as Edinburgh seek to build momentum in their campaign, having come close to victory in the away defeat where a final attack was held up. The fixture at Hive Stadium on 24 January underscores the competitive nature of the matchup, with Gwalia demonstrating patience and clinical finishing under pressure.
Edinburgh Rugby highlights the opportunity to settle the score on home soil, with live coverage potential boosting visibility. The squad’s depth is evident, despite absences like Talei Tewake, Millie Capaldi, Molly Poolman, April McKenzie, Holly McIntyre, Lucia Scott, and Cieron Bell in recent lineups.
The result could influence standings and confidence moving forward, as the team integrates returnees like Brown and harnesses home support for a reversal.
