The Scottish Thistles have issued a rallying cry to fans ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, vowing to deliver an unforgettable show of strength on home soil. Vice-Captain Hannah Grant urged newcomers to witness the high-octane spectacle, stating that modern netball is faster and fiercer than ever.
Thistles Aim to Rise in World Rankings
Currently ranked tenth in the world, the Thistles are determined to climb the rankings during the Games. Grant, a 26-year-old bio-medical scientist from East Renfrewshire, said: "We are aiming for a lot higher and to really push it at this games to put Scotland on the map." The team opens their campaign on Saturday, July 25, against New Zealand's Silver Ferns, ranked second globally.
Home Advantage and National Pride
Before each match, the team sings the national anthem Flower of Scotland in the changing room. Grant said: "We are a proud Scottish team and before we go out we look in each others’ eyes and we know we are doing it for the right reasons. We will give our all for the Scottish fans. They are the best in the world." The Games mark Grant's Commonwealth debut, having gained experience playing in Australia's New South Wales Premier League.
Netball's Growing Popularity
With 20 million women and girls playing netball internationally, it is the largest female team participation sport globally. In Scotland alone, over 30,000 people play, with surges in junior and grassroots participation attributed to the Thistles' rising profile. The Glasgow 2026 Games, remodelled with no public funding after Victoria, Australia, withdrew in 2023, have earmarked netball as a marquee sport.
Player Perspectives
Iona Christian, 28, an illustrator and mother of two, has 33 caps and described the Thistles as resilient: "A thistle is an extremely resilient, prickly flower, known for thriving in harsh conditions. When you come up against a Thistle on a netball court it’s never going to be an easy battle." Captain Emily Nicholl, 32, a solicitor with 61 caps, said: "I always describe how I play as ‘beast mode’. I have this insane need to hunt the ball down and to take the opponent out of the game."
Inspiring the Next Generation
Lexy Gillies, 20, a sports degree student from Edinburgh, highlighted the team's legacy: "My best friends all play netball, it’s a game that creates a bond. We are connected on and off the court. I think we show what can be achieved if you work hard enough as a team." She added: "Strong is the new pretty." Tickets for netball at the Hydro are available via glasgow2026.com/tickets.
