To maintain the credibility of the competition and avoid additional pressure on the playing calendar, Scottish Rugby considered all other options to fulfil the tie and after consultation with the clubs involved and the wider Premiership Forum, subsequently informed Ayr RFC that they will receive a bye and progress to the final.

Vicky Cox, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Competitions and Compliance, said: “At such a vital time in the season, it is important to us to ensure integrity of the competition. We are disappointed by this situation given the weekend in question was an agreed standby weekend, but respect Watsonian FC’s decision to withdraw from the play-off semi-final.”

The Premiership Final will be broadcast, in line with the agreement with BBC Alba, on Saturday 21 March.

Ayr will contest the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership Final against Currie Chieftains at Millbrae with a 4.10pm kick-off.

The post Watsonian FC withdraw from Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership play-off semi-final appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Heriot’s, who had a tough start to the campaign with three back-to-back losses, managed to turn their season around when it mattered most to claim third place with 52 points and nine wins across the 18 rounds.

The Edinburgh sides previously met in Rounds 3 and 12 of the competition where Currie edged a 24-19 win at home and a more convincing 24-39 win away, so with a place in the final at stake, it’s all to play for at Malleny Park this evening.

It’s winner takes all, so both head coaches will be finalising their game plans as we get closer to kick off.

Heriot’s Head Coach, Bob McKillop said: “Having been rooted at the bottom of the league after the first few rounds and having used close to 60 players, we are really happy to have made the semi-finals. It’s a transition year for us with a few ups and downs along the way but I’m really proud of the way the boys have stuck together and gotten us to third place in the league.

“Heriot’s and Currie games are always full-on and physical, and I’d expect this game to be a tense and tough battle. Currie have obviously won both regular season games, but the game at Malleny Park was a close one and hopefully on this occasion we can do one better.”

Currie Chieftains Head Coach, Mark Cairns added: “We’re really pleased for the players, they’ve set themselves a goal at the start of the year to achieve a home semi-final and we’ve done that. They’ve worked hard to achieve that but we’re definitely not stopping there.

“We’re really looking forward to challenging ourselves against Heriot’s this week and gaining ourselves a spot in the final after we came up just short last year. We’ve been working really hard to make sure we give ourselves the best opportunity to fall on the right side of the result against Heriot’s tonight. Our players know that we’ve got a responsibility to inspire as well and hopefully we put a performance that the club and fans are proud of.”

Elsewhere in the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership this weekend, a win for GHA against Glasgow Hawks means they will leapfrog Watsonians to move into fourth place and secure their first-ever semi-final place which will be played against last year’s champions, Ayr RFC.

Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership fixtures

Friday 27 January
Play Off Semi-final
Currie Chieftains v Heriot’s Rugby Men (7:35pm kick-off)

Saturday 28 January
Glasgow Hawks v GHA RFC (3pm kick-off)

The post Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership Play Off Semi-Final Preview: Currie Chieftains v Heriot’s appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The five teams are tightly grouped between 47 and 42 points, leaving the race for a play-off spot wide open. With so little separating them, every result matters – a win, loss, draw, or even a bonus point could dramatically shape how the rest of the season unfolds. 

So, what’s at stake this weekend?  

• Both Heriot’s and Watsonians are currently on 47 points, so if both sides win with a bonus point, they will proceed to the play-offs. If either of these teams fail to acquire the bonus point, that brings Kelso into contention for a play-off spot.   

• If either Heriot’s, Watsonians or Kelso get to 51 points, GHA will miss out on the play-offs.  

• If only one, or no team reaches 51 points then GHA will have the opportunity to grab a play-off spot when they take on Glasgow Hawks on 28 February.  

• For Hawick to join in on the play-off action they would need to get a try bonus win by a significant margin over Heriot’s to overturn the points difference differential for the two teams, while preventing Heriot’s from getting a bonus point, and have other results go in their favour.  

Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership fixtures 

Saturday 21 February: 

Heriot’s Rugby v Hawick RFC (2pm kick-off) 
Glasgow Hawks RFC v Watsonian FC (2pm kick-off) 
Selkirk RFC v Kelso RFC (2pm kick-off) 

The post Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership: Weekend Preview appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Following last week’s Pro-Alignment fixtures, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors’ U18 sides travel away to face Coventry and Ealing Trailfinders respectively this Saturday 21 February.  

Edinburgh Rugby U18 & Glasgow Warriors U18 boys team sheets are available here:

• Edinburgh Rugby U18 Boys
• Glasgow Warriors U18 Boys 

U17 Pro-Alignment (Boys) 

Having competed in the first U17 Pro-Alignment festival last weekend against Coventry U17, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors U17 teams face each other on Sunday (4:30pm kick-off).  

Team sheets are available here.

U16 Inter-District (Boys) 

The Boys’ U16 Inter-District programme gets underway on Sunday with a festival involving two teams from each of the four districts – Caledonia, Edinburgh, South and Glasgow. The teams from each district have been selected using modified bio-banding approach, which looks at the physical maturation of players. 

Similar to systems implemented in football by the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Southampton, the continued pilot of bio-banding will see the use of physical maturation data to help group players into a less and more physically mature team within their districts, allowing coaches to see their players in a different set of parameters. Please read more about Scottish Rugby’s approach in this area here. 

191 players, representing 74 unique clubs and schools are represented across the four districts. 

Team sheets are available here.

Jamie Dempsey, Regional Pathway & Game Development Lead Manager said “The modified bio-banding approach at the U16 boys festival gives coaches a new lens on talent by grouping players according to physical maturation, helping ensure late and on-time developers get seen and challenged appropriately, not just those who are currently biggest or strongest.” 

U16 fixtures:

Glasgow #1 v South #1 (10am kick-off)

Edinburgh #1 v Caledonia #1 (10:30am kick-off)

Glasgow #1 v Edinburgh #1 (11am kick-off)

South #1 v Caledonia #1 (11:30am kick-off)

Glasgow #1 v Caledonia #1 (12pm kick-off)

South #1 v Edinburgh #1 (12:30pm kick-off)

Glasgow #2 v South #2 (1pm kick-off)

Edinburgh #2 v Caledonia #2 (1:30pm kick-off)

Glasgow #2 v Edinburgh #2 (2pm kick-off)

South #2 v Caledonia #2 (2:30pm kick-off)

Glasgow #2 v Caledonia #2 (3pm kick-off)

South #2 v Edinburgh #2 (3:30pm kick-off)

Photos by Mark Scates / SNS Group.

The post Regional Pathway Teams in action this weekend appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Dwain Patterson got the match underway in Donnybrook and it was Scotland who set the tone by immediately testing the home defence when they opted for a maul off an early lineout.

Powerful carries from Jamie Shedden and captain Blair Macpherson kept Ireland pinned back, and Scotland looked certain to score before Ireland stripped the ball on the try line to keep the scoreboard at 0-0.

Ireland’s breakthrough came in the ninth minute after Conor Kelly’s pinpoint kick found Bobby Sheehan who got the first points of the encounter [7-0, 9 mins].

Scotland’s response was immediate. A slick skip pass from Bobby Beattie released Shedden into space, and he timed his pass perfectly to send Mitchell over the try line [7-5, 11 mins].

Mitchell struck again five minutes later, finishing sharply for his second try. Patterson added the extras this time, giving Scotland a well-deserved lead after a dominant opening display [7-12, 16 mins].

From inside their own half, Aaron Sexton sparked a move that went to Myles Carey before Adam Maher finished for Ireland under the posts. Kelly’s conversion restored their lead [14–12, 23 mins].

A lineout eight metres out and a well-organised maul from Ireland drove Scotland backwards, allowing Sheehan to crash over for his second try [21-12, 29 mins].

Minutes later, Scotland were penalised again. Kelly’s break and powerful carry split the defence created the perfect platform for Ronan Watters to score beneath the posts. The conversion pushed Ireland further clear [28-12, 33 mins].

Ireland continued to be relentless on attack and were awarded for their efforts when Conor Rankin slipped through the defence to set Sheehan up for his hat-trick, running away with the lead going into half-time [35-12, 36 mins].

Half-time: Ireland Club XV 35-12 Scotland Club XV

After failing to capitalise on opportunities in the first half, Scotland came into the second half with renewed purpose. Fraser Renwick’s patience at the maul paid off when Mitchell’s hat-trick edged them back into contention [35-19, 50 mins].

Ireland responded with a sense of authority. Aran Egan did brilliantly to find space and after some impressive footwork, forced his way over the for their fifth try [42-19, 55 mins]

Substitute Archie Barbour made an immediate impact for the men in blue, injecting tempo into the attack, and Gregor Christie capitalised to add his name to the scoresheet just two minutes later [42-26, 57 mins].

Ireland continued to probe the Scottish defence and when it looked like they were about to extend their lead, the try was ruled out after a forward pass, allowing Scotland to reset and refocus with less than twenty minutes on the clock.

With Scotland’s substitutes changing the dynamic of the game and Ireland down to 14 men after exhausting their bench, it was all to play for in the closing stages. Only two tries separated the sides and the visitors sensed opportunity.

Callum Anderson and Sam Wallace detected the space out wide, opening up for for Archie Barbour to score the fifth try and claw back into the game with just minutes left to play [42-33, 78 mins].

Despite their best efforts to keep the contest alive, a knock-on just before the final whistle ended Scotland’s hopes when Sam Owens kicked the ball dead and handed Ireland the victory.

Full-time: Ireland Club XV 42-33 Scotland Club XV

Scotland Club XV: Glenn Bryce (Stirling County RFC, vice-captain), Jamie Shedden (Ayr RFC), Andrew Mitchell (Hawick RFC), Bobby Beattie (Ayr RFC), Ben Pickles (Selkirk RFC); Dwain Patterson (Kelso RFC), Gregor Christie (Currie Chieftains); Jack Dobie (Melrose RFC), Fraser Renwick (Hawick RFC), Struan Cessford (Heriot’s Rugby), Angus Runciman (Melrose RFC), Oscar Baird (Ayr RFC), Ruairidh Leishman (Heriot’s Rugby), Tim Brown, Blair Macpherson (captain, both Ayr RFC).

Replacements: Elliot Young (Heriot’s Rugby) (for Renwick, 50 mins), Jamie Drummond (Ayr RFC) (for Dobie, 50 mins), Dan Gamble (Kelso RFC) (for Cessford, 40 mins), Ruaraidh Hart (Stirling County RFC) (for Baird, 55 mins), Sam Wallace (Heriot’s Rugby) (for Brown, 55 mins), Euan McKirdy (GHA RFC) (for Christie, 60 mins), Callum Anderson (Selkirk RFC) (for Bryce, 60 mins), Archie Barbour (Kelso RFC) (for Pickles, 55 mins).

Ireland Club XV: Conor Rankin, Sean French, Myles Carey, Aran Egan, Aaron Sexton; Conor Kelly, Adam Maher; David Begley, Bobby Sheehan, Luke Masters, Sean Rigney, Fionn Gilbert, Jack Kelleher (captain), Ronan Watters, Bradley Luney.

Replacements: Claytan Milligan, Marcus Hanan, Adam Tuite, Bailey Faloon, David Whitten, Sam Owens, Tadhg Bird, Adam La Grue.

Referee: Cai Lewis (Wales)

Assistant referees: Padraic Reidy and Kevin Beakey (both Ireland)

Player of the Match: Jack Kelleher (Ireland Club XV)

The post Match report: Ireland Club XV 42-33 Scotland Club XV appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Seven prestigious finals will be decided, including the Sarah Beaney Cup and Scottish Cup, across Hive Stadium and Scottish Gas Murrayfield in what promises to be an unforgettable day for grassroots rugby.

The Sarah Beaney Cup and Scottish Cup will be shown live on BBC ALBA (kick-off TBC). All other matches will be streamed live on Scottish Rugby’s YouTube.

Ticket information and the full schedule for this year’s event will be communicated soon.

You can watch last year’s highlights here.

The post Save the Date: Silver Saturday 2026 appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Ayr RFC’s Blair Macpherson will lead the side in his fourth campaign for the Club XV, bringing with him his experience of playing in Donnybrook. The number 8 is joined in the back row by teammate Tim Brown at openside flanker and Heriot’s Rugby captain Ruairidh Leishman on the blindside.  

Jack Dobie (Melrose RFC) and Struan Cessford (Heriot’s Rugby) will pack down at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively, with Hawick RFC’s Fraser Renwick selected at hooker.  

Angus Runciman (Melrose RFC) and Oscar Baird (Ayr RFC) slot in at lock to complete the forward pack while in the back division, stand-off Dwain Patterson (Kelso RFC) and scrum-half Gregor Christie (Currie Chieftains) make up the half-back pairing. 

Bobby Beattie (Ayr RFC) links up with Andrew Mitchell (Hawick RFC) in the midfield, while Ben Pickles (Selkirk RFC) starts on the left wing and Jamie Shedden (Ayr RFC) on right. Vice-captain Glenn Bryce (Stirling County RFC) is named at full-back to complete the starting XV.  

Hooker Elliot Young (Heriot’s Rugby), props Jamie Drummond (Ayr RFC) and Dan Gamble (Kelso RFC), as well as second row Ruaraidh Hart (Stirling County RFC) and back row Sam Wallace (Heriot’s Rugby), will bolster the forward pack as replacements.  

Euan McKirdy (GHA RFC) provides cover at scrum-half while Borders duo, full-back Callum Anderson (Selkirk RFC) and winger Archie Barbour (Kelso RFC), complete the replacements.  

Speaking ahead of the encounter, McKillop said: “I can’t speak highly enough of the training squad of 38 players, both as rugby players and as people. They brought enthusiasm and energy to all our sessions and this selection process has been the one of the toughest I’ve had in over 30 years of coaching.  

“The matchday squad is very skilled with a blend of experience and up and coming players. We are incredibly excited about the opportunity and look forward to donning the Thistle in Dublin on Friday.” 

Scotland will travel to Ireland to contest the Dalriada Cup which was first introduced in 2011 to mark the historic ties between the two nations.  

Scotland Club XV team to face Ireland Club XV at Energia Park in Dublin on Friday 13 February, kick-off 6:30pm – live on irishrugby+. 

The post Scotland Club XV side named for Ireland clash appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

This weekend’s fixtures:

U17 Boys

U18 Girls

East v Caledonia (3pm kick-off)

Boys U17 squad lists for this weekend’s fixtures can be found here

Girls U18 squad lists for this weekend’s fixtures can be found here

Highlights from last weekend’s U18 Boys and U18 Girls matches are now available to watch.

The post Squads announced for this weekend’s Inter-District Youth Pathway action appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

This weekend, Currie will be hungry to finish their group stage fixtures with a statement and firm up their position in second place after a 29–24 defeat to GHA last weekend.

Kelso, meanwhile, are coming off a challenging defeat to league leaders Ayr and will be looking to get back to winning ways. A win could potentially shoot them up the table due to a mostly identical 40-point record for the teams making up the mid-table.

Three things to look out for this weekend

• When Glasgow Hawks and Heriot’s played earlier in the season, the Glasgow side won the encounter 33-26. Currently on a two-game winning streak, Hawks will be eager to continue their momentum.
• Melrose take on Borders rivals Hawick at home. Both teams are currently tied on 37 points going into the fixture, so the mid-table could see another shake-up.
• One point separates GHA and Watsonians in the table, so a riveting encounter awaits at Myreside.

This weekend’s matches

Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership

Friday 6 February:
Currie Chieftains v Kelso (7:35pm kick-off, live on BBC ALBA)

Saturday 7 February:
Heriot’s Rugby Men v Glasgow Hawks RFC (2pm kick-off)
Melrose Rugby v Hawick RFC (3pm kick-off)
Watsonian FC v GHA RFC (3pm kick-off)
Ayr RFC v Selkirk RFC (4pm kick-off)

The post Arnold Clark Men’s Premierships Feature Match: Currie Chieftains v Kelso appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The competition was established to provide Scotland’s topflight schools and clubs with regular, meaningful fixtures against opposition of similar strength. It also supports improving standards in coaching, physical development, player welfare, and match officiating. 

Early feedback from the inaugural season has been encouraging.  

Eddie Pollock, Director of Rugby at Stirling County RFC said: “Our players faced positive challenges, particularly around attacking and defending with width, as opposed to the sometimes more one-dimensional nature of club rugby. This contributed to improved decision-making, spatial awareness, and overall game understanding. It was a hugely positive experience for players and coaches.” 

Stuart Edwards, Head of Rugby at Stewart’s Melville College, added: “We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Open Conference in its pilot season. Having the opportunity to test ourselves against club sides as well as our old school rivals has been great, and we look forward to seeing the competition grow.” 

A more detailed analysis is being carried out to fully assess the competition’s first-year impact and identify opportunities for continued improvement. 

While the Open Competition is one league that forms part of the youth and season structure, Scottish Rugby remains equally committed to supporting the many clubs and schools operating outside the competition. Planning for 2026/27 will continue to ensure all environments have access to meaningful fixtures, appropriate support, and opportunities to strengthen their rugby programmes. 

Further information on the application process, timelines, and criteria is available here.

The post Applications Open for Clubs and Schools: Open Competition 2026/27 appeared first on Scottish Rugby.