'I can't wait to get started': Edinburgh appoint ex-Scotland international as new head coach

Scotland Under-21 coach Louise Dalgliesh has been appointed head coach of Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge.

A 67-cap Scotland international during her playing career, she joined the capital side from club partner the University of Edinburgh, where she served as Head of Performance for Women’s Rugby.

Dalgliesh replaces Claire Cruickshank at Edinburgh, who was recently appointed as Scottish Rugby’s first-ever Women’s National Academy Manager.

The former Scotland international has worked for Japan Women as an assistant coach at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 [hosted in 2022] and as an assistant for JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby club Sale Sharks. In May 2025 Dalgliesh was appointed head coach of Scotland U20/U21.

Dalgliesh said: “This is a role I’m hugely proud to be stepping into. I’ve absolutely loved my time at The University of Edinburgh and taking on this position feels like a natural next step.

“I’ve been part of this city’s rugby fabric for a long time, in one way or another, and I already know so many of these players from BUCS and the national pathway. That gives me a real head start, but it also makes this exciting for a different reason – I get to keep building with players I’ve already seen grow.

“Women’s rugby is on the rise, and Edinburgh Rugby are right at the front of that push. I can’t wait to get started.”

Last season Edinburgh finished at the foot of the Celtic Challenge table and missed out on the play-offs by 11 points.

In the offseason Edinburgh have made something of a splash. In June it was confirmed that senior Scotland internationals Coreen Grant, Elis Martin, Chloe Rollie, Leia Brebner-Holden and Emma Orr will be calling Hive Stadium home next term.

Andy Rhys-Jones, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways, said: “Following an extensive recruitment process, we are pleased to appoint Louise as Head Coach at Edinburgh Rugby. She is someone who brings an excellent blend of coaching expertise and a passion for developing players.

“Throughout her coaching career, she has demonstrated the ability to build high-performance environments while helping individuals reach their potential. Having worked across the international game, in PWR and across the pathways in Scotland, she has a great understanding of the landscape and the players who she will be working with at Edinburgh.

“Ahead of what will be an exciting Celtic Challenge season, with several new additions in the squad, we are excited to see the impact she will have at Edinburgh Rugby.”