Meet the 12 Thistles Heading for the Hydro

The squad combines experienced internationals with exciting young talent, with three players preparing for their third Commonwealth Games and five set to make their debut on home soil.

Seasoned Thistles Emily Nicholl, Bethan Goodwin and Niamh McCall return to Team Scotland eight years on from making their Commonwealth Games debuts on the Gold Coast. With more than 160 international caps between them, the trio bring a wealth of experience to the squad.

After representing Team Scotland in Birmingham four years ago, Iona Christian, Emma Barrie, Rachel Conway and Hannah Leighton will all make their second Commonwealth Games appearances.

The youngest member of the squad, Lexy Gillies, represented Team Scotland at the 2023 Trinbago Youth Commonwealth Games and now steps up to the senior team. She is joined by fellow debutants Cerys Cairns, Cerys Finn, Hannah Grant and Jazmine Moore, completing the squad of 12.

Glasgow 2026 will see Netball take centre stage at Glasgow’s iconic Hydro – the biggest venue the full Netball tournament has ever seen.

Reflecting on what it means to represent her nation, at home, in the area, Emily Nicholl said:

"It's such a huge moment for the sport.

"The Hydro is a phenomenal venue, and to know that the Thistles are going to be playing there is just incredible.

"When I think back to 2014, I was in the stands watching, and to think that I can now be part of inspiring that next generation is a huge honour for me."

The Scottish Thistles open their Glasgow 2026 campaign against New Zealand's Silver Ferns on Saturday 25 July. The netball competition runs right through to the last day of the Games on Sunday 2 August. 

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Team Scotland Netball Squad

Emma Barrie – GS

Cerys Cairns – GA/WA

Iona Christian – WA/C

Rachel Conway – GK/GD

Cerys Finn – GK/GD

Lexy Gillies – C/WD

Bethan Goodwin – GS/GA

Hannah Grant – WD/GD

Hannah Leighton – C/WD

Niamh McCall – GA/GS

Jazmine Moore – WA/C

Emily Nicholl – GD/WD