Simpson enjoying her Warriors learning curve
Nikki Simpson is loving working with Scotland men’s cap Fraser Brown and is excited ahead of Glasgow Warriors first ever women’s home match this afternoon.
The Warriors are taking on the Irish Wolfhounds at Scotstoun at 2.30pm and are searching for their first Celtic Challenge win after defeats on the road to Edinburgh Rugby and Gwalia Lightning.
Given they are sixth in the standings and the Wolfhounds, who beat Edinburgh seven days ago at Hive Stadium, are second it will not be easy, but Chris Laidlaw’s charges are ready for the challenge.
And Garioch hooker Simpson, the 25-year-old who is uncapped and was part of the wider Scotland set up at times in 2023, is relishing the chance to play at this level and learn from assistant coach Brown who plays the same position as her.
“It has been a great few weeks so far being involved in the Warriors set up,” she said.
“Last year I took a lot of confidence from being part of the wider Scotland squad while now with the Warriors I am getting the chance to work with international men’s hooker Fraser Brown who is helping coach us.
“I am just trying to learn as much from him as possible and with things like throwing and the set piece his experience has been invaluable to me.
“I was lucky enough to play in the inaugural Celtic Challenge event for the Thistles last year and now for Scotland to have two sides in the expanded competition shows just how much women’s rugby is growing.”
Ailie Tucker, Scotland cap Louise Mcmillan, Phaedra Snailham on debut and Carla Mcdonald have come into the Glasgow starting XV.
Tomorrow in the same competition, Edinburgh are away to Wales playing Brython Thunder at Parc Y Scarlets at 1.30pm.
Millie Whitehouse, her Edinburgh University teammate Nicole Flynn, Freya Walker, Scotland internationalist Caity Mattinson and Nicole Marlow come into the starting team off the back of the loss to Wolfhounds.
Aila Ronald and Sophie Murphy join the bench while, in the other game this weekend, Clovers play the Lightning in Ireland tomorrow too.