Edinburgh v Warriors clash was ‘monumental’ and ‘magic’ for Fletcher
Up-and-coming teenage rugby talent Poppy Fletcher says playing in the first ever Edinburgh Rugby-glasgow Warriors women’s match felt like a “monumental moment” and she is “very excited” for the future of the sport in this country as a result.
Fletcher, the 19-year-old loosehead prop from North Berwick who now plays for
Edinburgh University, is one of a number of youngsters in the two Scottish Celtic Challenge squads whom coaches have high hopes for.
And, having played for the Thistles in the inaugural tournament which also includes Irish and Welsh teams last season, the Scottish Futures player got off to a flying start in this year’s expanded event by scoring a try in Edinburgh’s 28-12 bonus-point win over Glasgow last Saturday.
A crowd of 1,934 was at Hive Stadium in the capital to witness history and Fletcher said: “It felt like a monumental moment to be part of.
“I have been lucky enough to have had some highs in my rugby career to date, but to be part of an Edinburgh-glasgow women’s derby is something really special.
“Growing up I have watched Edinburgh’s men play a lot, been a mascot for them and I’ve been to 1872 Cup games, so to be playing in the first women’s derby really was class. The crowd and the hype around the game, it was just magic.
“When I was playing I was just focused on the rugby, but I tried to take in the size of the occasion and it hit home when I was speaking to family and friends afterwards.”
With Scottish Rugby now backing the women’s game financially more than ever before, Fletcher and other young players could not be breaking through at a better time and she said: “It is very exciting where the women’s game in Scotland is going and I’m keen to be a part of it.”
Next up in the Celtic Challenge, Edinburgh are at home to Irish side Wolfhounds tomorrow at the Hive, with Glasgow away to Gwalia Lightning in Cardiff on Sunday.
Both matchday squads are due to be named today.