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Club vs School Rugby: Finding Balance in Scotland’s Youth Game

The debate between club and school rugby in Scotland is beginning to resemble football’s long-running “club versus country” dispute — but at a youth level, and with far fewer resources at stake. While rugby’s professional calendar is carefully managed to avoid clashes, the amateur landscape tells a very different story. Dual Commitments Work — Until Age 14 Before the age of 14, the system functions smoothly. Young players can turn out for their school on a Saturday and their club on a Sunday, giving them more rugby and more development time without fixture conflicts. But at U15, the structure changes dramatically. Club competitions become formal leagues, and SRU regulations prevent players from taking part in two competitive matches on the same weekend. What had been a flexible setup quickly becomes a direct battle for player availability. Clubs Feeling the Strain Clubs often lose out. Many of the most promising players come from schools with well-established rugby programmes — regular coaching, strong facilities, and weekly fixtures. Clubs, by contrast, rely heavily on volunteers and generally offer fewer training hours. West of Scotland’s U15 side found this out the hard way. After boasting a strong and well-balanced U14 group, the club saw numbers fall significantly the following season as school commitments took priority. But Schools Are Under Pressure Too It’s not just clubs that are feeling the squeeze. Even schools with proud rugby traditions now struggle to field more than one team each weekend. Second XV fixtures are increasingly cancelled because opposition schools cannot raise full squads. The result? Fewer meaningful matches and more young players limited to training-only weeks — a situation that benefits no one. This leaves both club and school coaches with difficult decisions: select the players who regularly attend club training, or choose the stronger school-aligned athletes who may be unavailable under SRU restrictions? Is a Combined Pathway Realistic? Some have suggested an integrated school-club pathway. But that idea immediately hits familiar obstacles: Schools traditionally play on Saturdays Clubs traditionally play on Sundays Neither side is keen to abandon its established slot, and many dual-pathway programmes already rely on this two-day structure. The Open Competition: A Trial with Limits In 2025, the SRU introduced the Open Competition, designed to bring top school and club teams together at U16 and U18 levels. It stemmed from the recommendations of the U18 Pathway Review and aimed to provide high-quality fixtures across both sectors. But uptake was small. Only five schools and three clubs entered, with many major rugby schools opting out entirely. From the outset, it was clear the competition was too narrow to fix wider participation and scheduling challenges. The Road Ahead The core issue remains unchanged: Young players need more rugby — not more barriers. To achieve that, the SRU will need a more inclusive and sustainable approach. The current format of the Open Competition is not enough. Its selective nature fails to address the structural divide affecting most youth players across Scotland. Resolving the club-school conflict will be essential for developing the next generation of Scottish talent. Whether through calendar reform, shared governance, or more flexible development pathways, the goal is straightforward: More games, better development, and greater opportunities for every young player in Scottish rugby.

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November 30, 2025

Canterbury Renews Commitment to Women’s Rugby with PWR Partnership

Canterbury has renewed its partnership with Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), strengthening its support for the women’s game in England. The global rugby brand confirmed it will provide every registered player in the league with kit and boots tailored to their playing position, marking a significant step in investment and recognition for female athletes. The announcement, made on 28 October, comes as part of Canterbury’s ongoing efforts to develop women-specific rugby equipment. More than 450 players across nine clubs will benefit from the initiative, which aims to address the differing requirements between positions such as the front row and scrum-half, while ensuring female players have access to properly fitted, high-performance gear. While Canterbury has not traditionally been the leading choice of boot supplier among PWR players, as the brand does not currently offer boots specifically designed for women, this latest move signals a clear intent to expand its influence in the women’s game and respond to the growing demand for female-focused products. One PWR player told us this was the most significant aspect of the announcement — and a long overdue step forward. Growing Commercial Backing for the PWR Canterbury’s renewed partnership follows a series of major sponsorship announcements within Premiership Women’s Rugby. In October, Gallagher Insurance became the league’s official insurance partner, further strengthening ties between the women’s and men’s professional competitions. At club level, sides across the PWR are also expanding their commercial portfolios. Ealing Trailfinders Women recently extended their partnership with Arnold Hill, a chartered accountancy firm that supports the club’s TrailfindHERS programme — an initiative investing in youth and girls’ rugby. These partnerships are viewed as essential in helping clubs develop the infrastructure required to sustain the professional game, attract new players and fans, and build long-term stability. Progress and the Path Ahead Industry observers have welcomed the increased corporate interest in women’s rugby as a sign of its growing appeal and commercial potential. Tailored investment from brands such as Canterbury is also seen as an important step in improving accessibility and inclusion within the sport. Beyond England, competitions such as the Celtic Challenge — involving teams from Scotland, Ireland and Wales — are helping to grow the women’s game further. Following Scotland’s strong performances at the recent World Cup, there is optimism that progress in England will continue to inspire development across the home nations. With more major brands showing confidence in women’s rugby, the game looks set to continue its upward trajectory — both on and off the field.

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November 11, 2025

The Unsung Whistle: Inside the Weekend World of Scotland’s Rugby Referees

“13, 14, 15… both sides ready? Captains set? Pitch clear? Start the watch…” A long blast of the whistle cuts through the air — and another game of Scottish rugby begins. Every weekend, across the country, hundreds of matches kick off just like this. From youth tournaments in the Borders to club clashes in the Highlands, the players take centre stage — but behind it all, another team ensures the game can even happen. They are the referees and assistant referees — volunteers who give up their weekends, travel miles in all weathers, and dedicate hours to a role that rarely earns applause but without which rugby simply couldn’t function. Some are former players who can’t quite walk away from the sport. Others have never played but fell in love with the rhythm and respect of the game. A rare few, like Scotland’s Hollie Davidson, have turned it into a professional calling. But for most, it’s passion — not pay — that keeps them running. Beyond the Whistle: Preparation and Dedication The job starts long before kick-off. Pre-season for referees isn’t a gentle run around the park — it’s a series of gruelling sessions run by regional associations, designed to mirror the intensity of match days. “Brutal,” one referee admits. “But if we can’t keep up with play, we can’t control the game.” Then comes the admin: confirming fixtures, checking venues, reviewing laws. Many referees spend evenings scrolling through the World Rugby Laws app or the SRU’s Age Grade Variations page, brushing up on details that can change from one level of the game to another. “It sounds dull,” one official says, “but you might referee four or five different sets of laws in one weekend. You’ve got to be sharp mentally as well as physically.” Match Day: Rituals and Responsibility For most referees, match day begins an hour before kick-off. The kit bag is packed with precision: two watches, two whistles, yellow and red cards, flags, boots, spare socks — and, in many cases, a packet of Haribo for quick energy. At the ground, the pre-match routine kicks in — checking the pitch, chatting with coaches and captains, and briefing players. There’s usually no team of professional assistants, just volunteers acting as line judges. Then it’s time. “13, 14, 15… captains ready? Watch started.” The whistle sounds, and the referee bursts into motion. “The first ten minutes set the tone,” says one experienced official. “You’ve got to show control early — get to that first breakdown, be seen, set your standards. It’s a sprint from the start.” In community rugby, it’s often a solo effort — one person managing 30 players, dozens of laws, and countless moving parts. “When the tackle happens, I’m checking release, offside lines, ruck entry, whether the nine’s protected — all while staying out of the way,” they explain. The challenge is constant decision-making under pressure. “People think we miss things,” one referee says. “But sometimes you choose to manage rather than penalise. No one wants a stop-start game — you can keep it flowing just by talking to players.” After the Final Whistle When the whistle blows for full-time, the job still isn’t over. There’s self-reflection — or a debrief with an observer if one’s present — and reports to file to the Scottish Rugby Union detailing any cards or notable incidents. Then, often, comes the best part: a chat in the clubhouse. “A cup of tea or a bacon roll, and some proper rugby banter,” says one ref. “Even the players who’ve shouted at you for 80 minutes are usually shaking your hand afterwards.” Why They Keep Coming Back So why do it? Most referees say it’s the sense of belonging — the camaraderie with players, coaches, and fellow officials. The humour helps too. “The best line I ever got,” laughs one referee, “was after giving a penalty: a player looked at me and said, ‘At least I put my weights away, Sir!’” From pitchside jokes to post-match hospitality, refereeing offers a unique perspective on Scottish rugby — one that sees the sport not as rivalries and results, but as a community built on respect. Would they change it? “Not a chance.”

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November 4, 2025

Women’s Rugby at a Crossroads: Momentum Must Now Match Support

The largest Women’s World Cup to date ended in front of 81,885 fans as the Red Roses defeated Canada in a thrilling final — a record-breaking moment that underlined the strength and appeal of the women’s game. Across the UK, the mood is upbeat. The PWR season in England began at the weekend, while the Celtic Challenge fixtures have now been confirmed in Scotland. On the pitch, the standard of rugby continues to rise. Francesca McGhie, Sophie de Goede, Ellie Kildunne, and breakout World Cup star Braxton Sorensen-McGee were among those who lit up the tournament with skill, pace, and flair, scoring some of its most memorable tries. But the next step is crucial. The enthusiasm and momentum from the World Cup must now flow into clubs and grassroots programmes if the sport is to build sustainably. In recent years, a number of incidents have exposed the financial gulf between the men’s and women’s games. Charlie Holland (née Willett) was forced to crowdfund for ACL surgery, while Scotland international Chloe Rollie took to social media in search of boot sponsorship. Even the Canadian national team — finalists this year — had to crowdfund simply to travel to the tournament. Behind the celebrations, the reality is that the average salary for a PWR player remains around £9,000 — a figure that raises serious questions about how sustainable the current structure is, given the time and commitment required to play at that level. Financially, the equation is simple: low attendances mean limited revenue, which restricts what clubs can pay players, coaches, and staff. But with visibility and participation growing, the women’s game is arguably in its strongest position yet. Still, many players balance their rugby commitments with additional jobs. Holland, for example, works as an online personal trainer and partnership executive at Ealing Trailfinders alongside her playing career. In Scotland, the newly introduced Bill McLaren bursaries aim to ease the financial pressures faced by young players. It’s an important initiative that could reduce the need for players to hold down multiple jobs while trying to progress. Yet, without a professional domestic structure, many of Scotland’s most promising players continue to move south to pursue opportunities in England. The Celtic Challenge represents progress, but it will require sustained investment and commitment from the SRU to reach its potential. The union’s recent appointment of a Managing Director for women’s rugby signals intent, though some within the game question the timing and focus given the well-publicised contract disputes. Women’s rugby, then, finds itself at a pivotal point. The sport is developing its own audience and culture, distinct from the men’s game, and offering families and new fans a fresh route into rugby. Next April, Scotland Women will play at Murrayfield for the first time when they host the world champions — a symbolic and potentially transformative moment. For that transformation to take hold, however, it needs one thing above all: fans. Without attendance, sponsorship, and broadcast pressure, the financial engine of the game will stall. This is the moment for supporters to play their part. Attend a local PWR fixture, follow your Celtic Challenge side, or turn up to an international. The standard is high, the atmosphere welcoming, and the passion undeniable. Women’s rugby has never been stronger — now it needs everyone to help it grow further.

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October 28, 2025

100 Years of Murrayfield Stadium

Murrayfield Stadium celebrates 100 years, and to mark the occasion Scottish Rugby has released a new playing top, paying homage to those worn a century ago. For a century, Murrayfield has been more than just a stadium,it’s been the beating heart of Scottish rugby, echoing with triumph, heartbreak, and hope. It stands as a symbol of national pride, uniting generations through the shared rhythm of the game. I thought it would be fitting to take a trip back through my own experiences of the stadium, the matches that stand out for me and the memories that have made Murrayfield such a special place in my life. Murrayfield has always held a special place in my heart. I’vebeen lucky enough to attend matches there since I was a young boy, going along with my family or on big club trips with the Cartha Queens Park Minis. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching the world’s best teams play at Murrayfield and witnessing some unforgettable Scottish victories. This autumn, Scotland host the USA, New Zealand, Argentinaand Tonga for the Autumn Series. All eyes will, of course, be on New Zealand, a team Scotland have never beaten. The closest we’ve come were two draws, both at Murrayfield, in 1964 (0–0) and 1983 (25–25). That’s 32 Tests in total: 30 All Black wins, 0 Scotland wins, and 2 draws. Could this November finally be the time? Some say Scotland have their best chance yet, with the All Blacks not at their dominant best, though still ranked No. 2 in the world while Scotland sit at No. 8. But Murrayfield is a special place in November, a place where upsets can happen. Beginnings at Murrayfield When I was 16, I started working for Scottish Rugby as a Modern Apprentice, a two-year programme that set me on the path I’m still on today, working in Rugby Development for West of Scotland FC, a club celebrating its own milestone: 160 years of rugby. My very first day as an apprentice was spent at Murrayfield, meeting in one of the suites. I couldn’t believe my luck. We were given a brief tour of the stadium, quiet and still, unlike those electric matchdays. My excitement grew even further when I was told that part of the apprenticeship included two complimentary tickets to every Scotland home game. My parents had taken me and my brothers to Murrayfield for years, with tickets often coming through school or club connections. I was lucky enough to be there for Scotland’s victories over France and England in 2006, the first time I truly felt that spark of Scottish hope: maybe we could really compete in the Six Nations. That hope still burns bright, rising and falling each year. Maybe 2026 will be our year with the same fixtures as 2006, England and France both at home. Those two tickets from Scottish Rugby would continue to bring me joy for many years, as I remained involved in the game and worked alongside the organisation for over 16 years. I’ve attended countless Six Nations matches and even more Autumn Tests. I feel incredibly privileged to have witnessed so much rugby at Murrayfield. A Brief History Murrayfield Stadium is the largest stadium in Scotland, the fifth largest in the UK, and the 22nd largest in Europe, with a capacity of 67,144. It officially opened on 21 March 1925 with a Scotland v England match, Scotland won that day and secured the Grand Slam. Not a bad start for their new home! The land was purchased by the SRU from Edinburgh Polo Club. Before Murrayfield, international matches were played at Inverleith, the home of Stewart’s Melville RFC, from 1899. However, Inverleith could no longer accommodate the growing number of spectators. During the Second World War, Murrayfield was offered to the nation and used as a supply depot by the Royal Army Service Corps. The record attendance at Murrayfield came on 1 March 1975, when Scotland defeated Wales 12–10 in the Five Nations — a world record crowd at the time. Over the years, the stadium has evolved dramatically. The original stands gave way to modern concrete terraces, floodlights were added in the 1950s, and the East Stand was rebuilt in the 1980s to increase capacity. More recently, upgrades to seating, hospitality areas, and accessibility have ensured Murrayfield remains one of Europe’s premier rugby venues while preserving its traditional character. Over the years, Murrayfield has undergone many transformations and upgrades to become the stadium we know today. Those who remember the old ground will always feel a deep nostalgia for it, especially as the glory days on the pitch were more frequent back then. For me, though, the current stadium is my Murrayfield, from watching my first match there in 2003 (a World Cup warm-up against Ireland) to coaching West of Scotland Women in a Shield Final. The ground holds a special place in my life, as I’m sure it does for thousands of others. My Top Games Scotland v South Africa | 2010 | Autumn Tests One of my favourite Murrayfield memories came in 2010, when Scotland hosted the reigning world and Tri Nations champions, South Africa. Scotland edged a scrappy 21–17 win in wet conditions. Unlike today, where we’re spoiled with tries, those 21 points came entirely from the boot of Dan Parks, six penalties and a drop goal. Parks was a player who divided opinion, sometimes cheered, sometimes booed, but on this day, he was the hero. Beating the world champions reignited that familiar Scottish flame of hope once again. Scotland v Australia | 2017 | Autumn Tests In 2017, Scotland tore Australia apart, winning 53–24, a match packed with attacking flair and confidence. A red card for Australia just before half-time (while they were leading 12–10) swung the momentum entirely. Tries came from everywhere: Ali Price darting through, Sean Maitland sprinting 50 metres, Johnny Gray strolling under the posts, a young Huw Jones scoring yet again, John Barclay bulldozing over, and Stuart

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October 15, 2025

Scotland’s Trailblazer – Hollie Davidson

Fresh from becoming only the second match official to referee two World Cup Finals, Hollie Davidson is once again smashing through the glass ceiling of world rugby. When the All Blacks visit Wales in November, Hollie will become the first female match official to referee the All Blacks. Since her days training for Scotland as a player were cut short by injury, Hollie quickly progressed as a match official and is now seen by many as one of the best referees in both the men’s and women’s games. A firm fan favourite, other notable highlights include receiving her official refereeing cap from the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) in February 2025, the second Scottish referee and first female to receive it. Later in the year, she received the World Rugby Referee Award shortly ahead of the World Cup Final. As well as award-winning performances on the field, her achievements have seen her take charge of an EPCR Final (the first female to do so). She has refereed the Springboks, led the first all-female team to officiate a Six Nations match, and has refereed some high-profile Sevens games. Not bad for the age of 33. She has her sights well and truly set on the next Men’s World Cup. Over the coming weeks, SNN will look at the impact referees can have all the way from the community game to inspiring younger generations, building up to Hollie’s match in November.

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October 15, 2025

Smith Continues Warriors Reign as Scotland Choose Continuity

Franco Smith was long considered the heir apparent to Gregor Townsend’s Scotland post. The whispers were loud: a URC title under his belt, a proven developer of talent, and the kind of coach with vision who could carry Scotland forward. Yet when the job came up — or rather, when the contract decisions were made — Smith stayed at Glasgow. Instead, Scotland opted for continuity with Townsend, and Smith’s path forward remains at club level — at least for now. That raises some tough questions. Was this a safe choice by the SRU — sticking with the known rather than embracing change? Did Smith miss a chance to step up, or did Scotland miss their chance to inject fresh blood at the top? And for Smith himself: is he accepting the long game, or biding his time? What do you think — should Scotland have appointed Franco Smith instead, or was keeping Townsend the correct call?

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October 7, 2025

Warriors Seek Response at Scotstoun over Dragons

Glasgow Warriors return to URC action to face the Dragons on Saturday evening, in a matchup, on paper, that should be won by the home side. The Welsh side has struggled for years to shake its reputation as perennial underdogs, while Glasgow has consistently sat in the league’s upper tier. The stats underline it: Glasgow have won 8 of the last 9 meetings with Dragons. Their average winning margin in those games sits at around 20 points. Dragons’ last win against Glasgow came back in 2018. And yet — sport doesn’t always respect statistics. Dragons can be awkward, gritty, and combative. Glasgow has greater depth and quality across the park, but complacency is a killer. Franco Smith’s men will know that an early slip in the season could undo all the momentum they’ve been building. What’s your call: a routine Glasgow win, or do the Dragons finally bite back and spring an upset?

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October 7, 2025

Former English Rugby Star Moody Reveals MND Battle

Lewis Moody, one of England rugby’s fiercest competitors and a World Cup winner, has revealed he is living with motor neurone disease (MND). He describes his current symptoms as “very minor”, but the diagnosis has come as a profound shock for him and his family. MND is a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and eventually paralysis. While tragic in itself, Moody’s diagnosis adds to a concerning pattern in rugby: we’ve also lost Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen to this condition. Moody earned 71 caps for England, lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003, and led by example on the pitch with heart and grit. Lewis Moody’s announcement is a call not just to support him, but to support research, to support better care, and to support the work of those already fighting this battle. Doddie Weir’s legacy lives on through My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which continues to fund vital research into MND, provide grants to affected individuals, and raise awareness across the rugby world and beyond.

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October 7, 2025

Townsend Takes Part-Time Advisory Role for Premiership Side

Gregor Townsend MBE, Scotland’s Head Coach, has just taken on a consultant role with Newcastle Falcons. On paper, it’s a fresh challenge and a chance for him to bring international experience into the Premiership. But the headlines it’s generating aren’t just about rugby tactics. Some fans are buzzing that his knowledge could help lift the Falcons off the bottom of the table. Others are worried it raises bigger questions: does splitting his focus dilute his commitment to Scotland at a time when consistency and cohesion matter most? Especially with a World Cup cycle already ticking down. It’s a fascinating twist in modern coaching, where boundaries between club and country roles are blurring more and more. What do you think – is this a smart move that’ll keep Townsend sharp, or a distraction Scotland can’t afford?

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October 3, 2025

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