After playing against each other at Hive Stadium last Friday, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby will go head-to-head at Stirling County RFC this Friday 6 March (5pm kick-off).  

This is the second of two fixtures for the pro-aligned teams which forms part of the male youth pathway programme.  

Team sheets are available here.

U18 Pro-Alignment (Girls) 

After playing at Hive Stadium last Friday, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors U18 Girls will meet again in a youth pathway programme fixture.  

The match will be played at Scotstoun Stadium ahead of Glasgow Warriors’ Celtic Challenge fixture against Edinburgh Rugby (kick-off 4pm).

Players have been selected based on their performances in the Inter-District matches that took place throughout January and February.  

Team sheets are available here.

U16 Inter-District (Boys) 

They U16 Inter-District Boys festival returns to Oriam this Sunday with teams from Glasgow, Edinburgh, South and Caledonia districts all taking part. 

Team sheets are available here.

Fixtures:

Glasgow v South (10:15am kick-off)

Edinburgh v Caledonia (11am kick-off)

Glasgow v Edinburgh (11:45am kick-off)

South v Caledonia (12:30pm kick-off)

Glasgow v Caledonia (1:15pm kick-off)

South v Edinburgh (2pm kick-off)

U16 Inter-District (Girls) 

The second U16 Girls Inter-District fixture gets underway this Sunday 6 March with players from the West and Caledonia facing off at Oriam (3:15pm kick-off).  

Players have been selected from their clubs and schools and their participation in the U15 player development hub programme last season.  

Team sheets are available here.

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After playing away against Coventry and Ealing Trailfinders last weekend, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors U18 Boys will face off at Hive Stadium this Friday 27 February (4pm kick-off).  

This is the first of two fixtures for the pro-aligned teams which forms part of the male youth pathway programme.  

Team sheets are available here.

U18 Pro-Alignment (Girls) 

On Saturday 28 February, Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors U18 Girls will play against each other as part of the youth pathway programme.  

Players have been selected based on their performances in the Inter-District matches that took place throughout January and February.  

The match will be contested at Hive Stadium after Edinburgh Rugby play Clovers in Celtic Challenge (4pm kick-off).  

Team sheets are available here.

U16 Inter-District (Boys) 

Building on the momentum of last weekend’s festival at Oriam, the Inter-District programme returns to Hive Stadium on Sunday 1 March (10:15am kick-off).  

The teams from each district have been selected using modified bio-banding approach, which looks at the physical maturation of players.   

Team sheets are available here.

U16 Inter-District (Girls) 

The first U16 Girls Inter-District fixture gets underway this Sunday 1 March when players from the West and East districts come up against each other at Hive Stadium (3:15pm kick-off).  

Players have been selected from their clubs and schools and their participation in the U15 player development hub programme last season.  

Team sheets are available here.  

Photos by Mark Scates / SNS Group

The post Pro-Alignment and Inter-District teams named for Youth Pathway fixtures appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

A girls U18 fixture will be contested for the first time when East District play West District on Sunday, followed by Caledonia v East on Sunday 8 February and Caledonia v West on Sunday 15 February.

Players will be selected from the three districts to represent Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby at U18 level in two fixtures scheduled for late February and early March. These programmes will also form part of the Scotland U18 selection pathway.

Head of Regional Pathways & Game Development, Neil Graham, said: “The Inter-District programme is a vital part of our youth pathway, giving players the opportunity to test themselves in a high-quality, competitive environment alongside the best from their region. Bringing both the boys’ and girls’ U18 programmes together this weekend reflects the strength and alignment of our pathway, and it’s an important step in helping young players progress towards the professional and international game.”

Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways, Andy Rhys Jones, added: “It’s fantastic to see the U18 girls taking to the field for the first time this season, with the East v West fixture marking an important milestone in the girls’ pathway. These Inter-District matches are crucial in supporting player development and identifying future talent, and they demonstrate the continued growth and ambition of the women’s game in Scotland.”

Full fixtures for all inter-district programmes can be found on Gainline here.

This weekend’s fixtures:

U18 Boys:

The South v Glasgow (10.15am kick-off)

Edinburgh v Caledonia (11am kick-off)

The South v Edinburgh (11.45am kick-off)

Glasgow v Caledonia (12.30pm kick-off)

The South v Caledonia (1.15pm kick-off)

Glasgow v Edinburgh (2pm kick-off)

U18 Girls:

East v West (3.30pm kick-off)

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

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

The post U18 Inter-District Youth Pathway squads confirmed for opening fixtures appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The programme reinforces Scottish Rugby’s commitment to identifying, supporting and developing Scotland’s next generation of rugby talent.

In addition, it will ensure greater alignment, appropriate challenge and clearer progression for young players in clubs, schools and regions across the country.

The first festival gets under way this Sunday 25 January at Oriam with round one of the boys’ U17 Inter-District programme.

Neil Graham, Head of Regional Pathways and Game Development, said: “This programme is about creating meaningful opportunities for young players at the right stage of their development. By increasing the quality of competition and support within the pathway system, we’re helping players progress while staying connected to the environments that matter most to them.”

Kenny Murray, National Talent Pathway Lead, added: “The Inter-District programme is a vital part of applying the right level of challenge within our pathway. It creates a competitive environment where players are stretched technically, tactically and mentally, while giving us greater clarity on where individuals are in their development. Ultimately, it helps ensure we are identifying and supporting the players with the potential to progress towards National Talent Pathway selection.”

The full set of fixtures are available here.

This weekend’s fixtures:

Glasgow v The South (10.15am KO)

Edinburgh v Caledonia (11.00am KO)

Glasgow v Edinburgh (11.45am KO)

The South v Caledonia (12.30pm KO)

Glasgow v Caledonia (1.15pm KO)

The South v Edinburgh (2pm)

Full squad lists are available here.

The post Inter-District Youth Pathway programme returns this weekend appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Players have been selected based on their performances in this year’s Inter-District Championships contested between Glasgow & The West, The South, Edinburgh, and Caledonia Reds.

The players will come together for their first training session this Sunday 25 January and the team will train together twice more before a final squad is announced.

Looking ahead at the fixture, McKillop said: “The Club XV fixture was always a highlight in the club calendar, so its return provides a great opportunity for the best club players across our four districts to come together for a representative fixture. It is a privilege for our players, so I am looking forward to working with them and our very experienced coaches to prepare the best we can to face Ireland Club XV.”

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Competitions and Compliance, Vicky Cox, added: “The squad announcement marks an exciting moment for our domestic pathway and reinforces our commitment to the Club XV programme. The players have raised the bar in this year’s Inter-District Championships, so this fixture is the perfect occasion to the test themselves against a tough opposition.”

Scotland Club XV will return to Donnybrook on Friday 13 February with their sights set on claiming the Dalriada Cup. The match will be played at Energia Park (kick-off 6.30pm) and will be streamed on irishrugby+.

Tickets are available to buy here.

Scotland Club XV training squad

The post Scotland Club XV training squad selected ahead of international fixture against Ireland Club XV next month appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

The topic of discussion – a re-envisaged player pathway aimed at greater alignment between Community Rugby and High Performance with the aim of accelerating Scotland’s best talent into a senior national jersey. 

David Nucifora, Scottish Rugby’s Performance Director, who attended roadshow events in Borders College and Highlands RFC, believes creating healthy pressure within the pathway will increase competition for players and improve on-field performance. 

Speaking at the event in Borders, Nucifora said: “Scottish Rugby is investing in its pathway because our aim is to ensure that we maximise every player’s potential, to allow them to be the best they can be. If we can achieve that, we’re going to create pressure within the pathway, within the professional game, which ultimately creates performance.”  

Al Kellock, the 56-times capped Scotland international who was appointed Scottish Rugby Head of Performance Pathways earlier this year, is tasked with ensuring Scotland maximise the potential of its talented young players. 

Neil Graham, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Regional Pathways & Game Development, was the architect of the roadshow and is an advocate of Community Rugby and High Performance working closely together so that all of Scottish Rugby benefits.   

Graham said: “The community game and high performance can strengthen their alignment by having real clarity of roles and responsibilities, by communicating really effectively with all key stakeholders, by knowledge-sharing from top to bottom and by having a shared ownership of success when a player comes through the pathway and runs out at Murrayfield for Scotland.” 

One of the most significant changes in the new approach is in how Scottish Rugby will support players in the National Talent Pathway (NTP) programme. Increased levels of service will now be delivered in the player’s existing rugby environment. NTP players will receive coaching, athletic performance, nutrition and medical support in their club or school reducing stress and disruption.   

Al Kellock explains: “Our new pathway system sees NTP 1 and 2 moving out back into the clubs and schools, into the environments where these players are actually coming through. That will help the players but also help the environment. 

“And we can make sure that the knowledge spread is greater than any other union in the world. We can be running NTP sessions on a Monday and have full access for all the clubs and schools in that area to come in and watch those sessions to understand what our coaches are delivering and then be able to take it back to their clubs and schools and deliver it every Tuesday,” continued Kellock. 

The highly experienced and respected coach Kenny Murray has been appointed to the role of National Talent Pathway Lead by Scottish Rugby. Part of Kenny’s wide-ranging remit is to  ensure that the High Performance staff are driving the standards across the pathway and developing strong relationships with the Clubs and Schools coaches. 

Kenny explains how High Performance staff can work hand in hand with club and schools coaches: “In our new model, we will get into the school and the club environments. We’ll provide the coaching resource, medical resource, athletic performance.  

“We’ll work closely with the staff at those schools and clubs to make sure that there’s real alignment on what we’re trying to achieve for the player. So if they’re on a specific gym programme that we lead, the clubs are aware of that. So that programme works well because the club get to have the player in their program where we’re not taking them out all the time,” said Murray 

Two other crucial elements in the new approach to the National Talent Pathway is a focus on creating challenging playing opportunities to advance player development and an increase in pressure in the system meaning that there will be entries and exits from the programme.  

Murray emphasises the need to stretch players and always keep in mind what is best for the player and their development: “Once they come into our program, it’s about making sure that they get not only the coaching support but are also getting a playing program that supports their development at their age. “Whether that be club or school, moving into the regional talent pathway and then into potentially national age grade for some of the boys.  

“We’re looking at new ways to stretch them in terms of playing opportunities. And as we ID talent, we are looking to make sure that it isn’t a closed loop and we want to get a bit of pressure in the system so that people are progressing the whole time. 

“We’re constantly looking at games across schools and clubs. The NTP staff have a process in place when they are watching games that they can feed back online. We’re capturing information on not only our NTP players but also on other players who play in those games and then we can start to see if there’s players that are coming up regularly then we can focus in on them. So there’s going to be ongoing entry and exit across the whole pathway whether it’s the three years of the NTP or even into the pro academy,” continued Murray.  

ROADSHOW ATTENDEE FEEDBACK 

“I thought it was very positive because if you’re looking at the individual, for me that’s what it’s all about. In the past what’s happened is that somebody wants the best under-18 team, under-16 team, under-20 team. What I suggest here is not easy, it’s to hone in on that individual. And I think also what was key to coming tonight was the boys of community network system. I think really there’s something we joke about in the past that once you’re in the system it’s difficult again because the time you keep them there when boys may be plateaued and you should just take them out of the system and put them back in the club. And the later developers have not had a chance to complete. So that was really positive.” Rob Moffat, Melrose Rugby Club 

“Currently we have players travelling all the way to Dundee so three hours down getting a session and coming back. So, we can have players’ centres, we can have coaches coming up to see us, and then our performance players aren’t having to travel for so much, and then our wider players are getting an opportunity to get some experience some exposure from someone from the talent pathway.” Ruaridh MacDonald, Highland Rugby Club, Development Officer 

“The amount of people that were here, all having a voice and sharing their ideas with us, I think it was really great. And I really like that you’re focusing on the player as well, and the support that other players can get through the pathway.”  Justin Hendricks, Highland Rugby Club 

“I love the fact that it’s not a closed loop, that you can step in and step out. How often do you see someone develop a different rate physically, mentally, and maybe that high level stuff isn’t for them at a chosen point in time but actually with a bit of reflection, a bit of hard work, back in the training fits within their clubs and the right mentoring from high level coaches as far as rugby, they can actually come back at it at various stages and points in their rugby career. It’s really important that that’s available and obviously is, it’s very obvious it is. So, looking forward to seeing that happen.” John Scott, Club Rugby Board Member – Caledonia North 

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The goal is to create pressure in the system by fast tracking player development and creating greater competition for places. Its success is predicated on a greater alignment of Community Rugby and the National Talent Pathway (NTP). 

The architect of the new pathway programme, Scottish Rugby’s Performance Director David Nucifora, said: “The focus is on trying to expedite the speed at which we develop our players, to make sure that they are coming through at the appropriate rate, that they’re putting pressure on the existing contracted players within the professional teams.” 

Scottish Rugby is focusing increased resources on a smaller number of players to deliver wrap-around services such as coaching, athletic performance and nutrition support in the player’s Club or School and not in satellite High Performance centres. 59 players have been identified to participate in the National Talent Pathway programme this season. 

The man responsible for implementation of the NTP is former Scotland international Al Kellock, who was recently appointed as Scottish Rugby’s Head of Performance Pathways.  

Kellock explains the opportunity Scottish Rugby has to maximise its playing pool: “We must turn our size into an advantage and become the most aligned Union in World Rugby.  In a major shift in our approach to player development, we will be supporting identified pathway players in their own environments, their schools, their clubs and Universities.” 

Expertise is an area that Scottish Rugby’s High Performance team have been investing in over the past few months in order to drive best practice and innovation in the pathway programme.  

“We have invested in a multi-disciplinary team of experts who are turning Oriam in Edinburgh into a Centre of Excellence. Their insight, experience and thought leadership will inform our player development programme. We are also investing in High Performance coaches to provide the wrap-around services that will accelerate pathway player development while also positively impacting on the playing environments in Clubs and Schools,” said Kellock. 

Kellock firmly believes that this new approach will deliver for Scottish Rugby as there will be greater accountability and improved communication within the pathway. 

“There will be clarity and definition of roles within the pathway to maximise the impact on player development. We will increase and improve communications across the pathway ensuring we stay connected and keep player development at the heart of everything we do,” said Kellock. 

While focusing increased levels of resourcing around a smaller number of players, Kellock is adamant that the National Talent Pathway cannot be a closed loop and there needs to be healthy pressure in the system where players drop out or enter the pathway depending on their progression. 

“We will remain agile and open minded to late developing talent and facilitate entry and exit points into the pathway to ensure the very best talent in being supported,” Kellock affirmed. 

The final element of the new strategy is to increase playing opportunities within High Performance environments which will again accelerate player development. This has already commenced with Oriam now housing the Scotland & GB7s programme. Emerging Scotland played against Tonga in November and further representative fixtures are in the pipeline to challenge and develop pathway players.  

The post Scottish Rugby Applying Pressure to Player Pathway to Unearth Future Gems appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Ireland and Scotland will once again contest the Dalriada Cup, which was first introduced in 2011, to mark the historic ties between the two nations. Ireland are the current holders having won on aggregate over home and away legs in that last fixture five years ago.

The Scotland Club XV team will be selected from men’s players who have represented their district in the Inter-District Championships, with the next round happening on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December.

The Club XV returns with an away match on Friday 13 February in Dublin that will be live streamed on the IRFU’s streaming platform, IrishRugby+, with a return home fixture planned for the 2026/27 season.

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development, Gav Scott, said: “It is great to see the return of the Club XV side and we welcome the opportunity to continue the legacy of the Dalriada Cup.

“We brought back the Inter-District Championships in 2023 as a commitment to developing the pathway of the domestic game. The return of the Club XV fixtures will be the pinnacle to this structure as well as allowing for additional competitive match experiences for all players within our full pathway.”

Commenting on the return of the Scotland fixture announcement, IRFU Rugby Competitions Manager, Kevin Beggs, said: “We are pleased to confirm the return of the Club XV fixture, against a Scottish Club side. We value our collaboration with Scottish Rugby in reinstating this important event.

“The Ireland Club XV offers the leading players from the Energia All-Ireland League an opportunity to represent their clubs, families, and the league, while demonstrating the high standards and quality of the competition. We look forward to welcoming the Club XV back to Dublin this February.”

The post Club XV Fixture Against Ireland to Return in February 2026 appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

A special thanks goes to the 15 match officials who ensured the smooth running of the day and helped create a positive, development-focused environment for all involved.

Stirling County RFC were superb hosts, with their facilities and volunteers contributing to a memorable day of rugby.

Reflecting on the festival, Neil Graham, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Regional Pathways and Game Development, said: “It was great to see the players perform and continue to develop, putting all their hard work at training into practice. Today was the first opportunity the players have had to represent their region, having been selected from the U15 Player Development Hub programme in the Spring.

“It was another great opportunity for us to see the blueprint curriculum in action, and for our young players to test themselves against the best players in Scotland.”

The second, and last, U16 festival of the summer takes place at Stirling County RFC’s Bridgehaugh tomorrow.

The post U16 Regional Boys & Girls Festivals Showcase Emerging Talent appeared first on Scottish Rugby.

Game 1: Selkies 36 – 22 Scáthach

The festival kicked off with an all-Scottish encounter, setting the tone for the day.

Scáthach made a strong start through Rose Scott’s early try, but the Selkies quickly asserted dominance, driven by the vision and tempo set by stand-off Lucy Ronald.

By halftime, the Selkies had surged ahead 26–7, with standout performances from Joss Mair and Juliet Ramsay.

Though Scáthach rallied and edged the second half, the Selkies’ physicality and attacking edge earned them a 36–22 victory.

Tries, Selkies: Joss Mair (2), Juliet Ramsay (2) Connie Sanderson, Alana Herbert
Conversions, Selkies: Lucy Ronald (3)

Tries, Scáthach: Rose Scott. Anna Stoddart, Erin Rowley, Tess Hewines
Conversions, Scáthach: Emma Wylie x1

Game 2: Scáthach 14 – 37 Netherlands

Scáthach’s second match saw them face a well-drilled Netherlands side, who lit up the first half with a display of pace and cohesion. The Dutch raced to a 27–0 halftime lead, but Scáthach once again showed their resilience.

The second half was more balanced, with Lucy Symon delivering a highlight-reel 80-metre try. Despite improved intensity and two converted tries, the early deficit proved too large, and the Netherlands secured a 37–14 win.

Tries, Scáthach: Lucy Symon, Rose Scott
Conversions, Scáthach: Emma Wylie

Game 3: Selkies 26 – 20 Netherlands

The final match of the day delivered a memorable spectacle, as the Selkies edged out the Netherlands in a fiercely contested encounter as the score changed hands several times.

The turning point came from Lucy Ronald’s precision cross-field kick, finished superbly by Connie Sanderson. With the scoreline tight throughout, the Selkies’ composure under pressure saw them emerge 26–20 winners, capping an impressive unbeaten run.

Tries, Selkies: Issy Ross, Miya Oisen, Joss Mair, Connie Sanderson
Conversions, Selkies: Lucy Ronald (3)

Programme Reflections from Head Coach, Gordon Lyon:

“The festival marked a successful endpoint to the U16 programme, offering invaluable experience in both intra-squad and international contexts. The performances from both squads highlighted the strength of depth within the cohort, and it offered a fantastic development opportunity and was a great step up from the Regional Game Series earlier in the year.

“As the programme concludes, players will now move into Regional U17 transition programmes as preparation for the U18 national squads. A select group will remain in the U16 age grade to complete their second year, joined by new players identified through this year’s U15 Player Development Hubs.

“This year’s U16 programme has not only identified emerging talent but has helped to lay strong foundations for the women’s rugby pathway in Scotland.”

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