Scottish Thistles announce leadership team for Glasgow 2026
15th July 2026
The Scottish Thistles have confirmed their leadership team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Iona Christian and Emily Nicholl named as co-captains and Hannah Grant appointed vice-captain.
The trio will lead Scotland into a home Commonwealth Games, bringing together three respected voices within the squad as the Thistles prepare to represent their country in Glasgow.
For Christian, the opportunity to co-captain Scotland at a home Games carries particular significance.
“It’s an absolute honour to be asked to co-captain the team for a home Commonwealth Games. I was quite emotional when Kath called to tell me. To be trusted with this role for Scotland is something I’m incredibly grateful for and something I won’t take for granted.
“For me, it’s about putting the team first and representing the girls. It’s an incredible group of players and people, so to be able to stand alongside them in Glasgow and lead the team with two inspiring teammates in Emily and Hannah is really special.”
Nicholl will share the captaincy with Christian and is equally proud to have the opportunity to lead Scotland on home soil.
“To be trusted with this role means a lot, but to have the opportunity to do it at a home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow makes it even more special.
“Representing Scotland has always been something I’m immensely proud of, and having the opportunity to lead this group in front of a home crowd is something I don’t take lightly. We have a really driven and connected group of players, and I’m excited to lead alongside Iona and Hannah as we take on this incredible opportunity together.”
Grant completes the leadership group as vice-captain and is looking forward to helping guide the squad through the Games.
“It’s an honour to be named as part of the leadership group for our home Commonwealth Games. Representing Scotland is always something I’m incredibly proud of, but to have the opportunity to do it in Glasgow, in front of my family, friends and our home supporters, makes it even more special.
“We have such a fantastic group, and I feel so lucky to be part of it. To have the opportunity to help lead this team into the Games is something I’m really proud of, and I can’t wait to get started with the girls this summer.”
Former Scottish Thistles captain Lesley MacDonald, who led Scotland at Glasgow 2014, knows first-hand what it means to captain the national team at a home Commonwealth Games.
“Having had the privilege of captaining the Thistles myself, I know what an honour and responsibility it is to lead your country. Iona, Emily and Hannah each bring their own strengths to this leadership group, but what they share is a real commitment to the team, the standards we want to uphold and what it means to represent Scotland.
“Iona and Emily will complement each other extremely well as co-captains, while Hannah’s leadership and presence make her a natural fit as vice-captain. Together, they have the respect of the group and will play an important role in keeping the squad connected, focused and ready for the challenge ahead at Glasgow 2026.
“I’m incredibly proud of all three of them and excited to see them lead the Thistles on home soil.”
The leadership announcement marks another significant step towards Glasgow 2026 as the Scottish Thistles continue their preparations to compete in front of a home crowd.
They will play in the first match of the games at 9am on Saturday 25 July against New Zealand.
Tickets are available via: https://glasgow2026.tmtickets.co.uk/Events?prefilter=15
