The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[SaintK]

Either cheekbone or jaw. Have seen both mentioned. He’s had surgery. Will miss 6N, reportedly.

Handy that Tom Jordan is qualified now. Won’t be an issue for us providing both Russell and Jordan can stay fit. If not… that’s more of an issue.

Wouldn't be a massive shock to see Burke called up too at some point.

I’m not sure he’d take the call up. He’s also English qualified, playing for England is a) much more lucrative, b) means you can continue to get good EQ contracts and c) frankly gives you more chance of winning things, current form notwithstanding.

Frankly with what England and SCotland have currently got he is not yet at that level or international class from what I've seen of him

[weegie01]

Sweeney for Edinburgh seems to have lost a lot of pace. Two ACL reconstructions will do that to you.

[Yr Alban]

Either cheekbone or jaw. Have seen both mentioned. He’s had surgery. Will miss 6N, reportedly.

Handy that Tom Jordan is qualified now. Won’t be an issue for us providing both Russell and Jordan can stay fit. If not… that’s more of an issue.

Wouldn't be a massive shock to see Burke called up too at some point.

I’m not sure he’d take the call up. He’s also English qualified, playing for England is a) much more lucrative, b) means you can continue to get good EQ contracts and c) frankly gives you more chance of winning things, current form notwithstanding.

He might not. But then again, he might look at Marcus and Fin Smith, who are 25 and 22 and look likely to hold down the 10 position for the foreseeable future (damn, but that will never not hurt in Fin Smith’s case) and make a pragmatic decision that there is more likely to be a spot available for Scotland once Russell retires.

[westport]

Scotland will take on New Zealand Māori as part of our 2025 Summer Tour, at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.
More details of our 2025 summer schedule will be announced in due course.

As per World Rugby’s San Francisco calendar agreement which was decided in 2017, Scotland will then embark on a two test tour to the Pacific Islands with fixtures to be confirmed in due course.

[Biffer]

Scotland will take on New Zealand Māori as part of our 2025 Summer Tour, at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.
More details of our 2025 summer schedule will be announced in due course.

As per World Rugby’s San Francisco calendar agreement which was decided in 2017, Scotland will then embark on a two test tour to the Pacific Islands with fixtures to be confirmed in due course.

That's not a bad tour tbf.

[Slick]

Scotland will take on New Zealand Māori as part of our 2025 Summer Tour, at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.
More details of our 2025 summer schedule will be announced in due course.

As per World Rugby’s San Francisco calendar agreement which was decided in 2017, Scotland will then embark on a two test tour to the Pacific Islands with fixtures to be confirmed in due course.

That's not a bad tour tbf.

Much as I prefer 3 match series, it would be nice to get at least one game against New Zealand

[Biffer]

Scotland will take on New Zealand Māori as part of our 2025 Summer Tour, at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.
More details of our 2025 summer schedule will be announced in due course.

As per World Rugby’s San Francisco calendar agreement which was decided in 2017, Scotland will then embark on a two test tour to the Pacific Islands with fixtures to be confirmed in due course.

That's not a bad tour tbf.

Much as I prefer 3 match series, it would be nice to get at least one game against New Zealand

Yeah, one of the less important impacts of covid was that we were meant to have a two test tour of New Zealand in 2020. Given the new shiny Nations Cup fuckpish test series are now dead though and will never happen again.

[robmatic]

Scotland will take on New Zealand Māori as part of our 2025 Summer Tour, at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.
More details of our 2025 summer schedule will be announced in due course.

As per World Rugby’s San Francisco calendar agreement which was decided in 2017, Scotland will then embark on a two test tour to the Pacific Islands with fixtures to be confirmed in due course.

That's not a bad tour tbf.

Much as I prefer 3 match series, it would be nice to get at least one game against New Zealand

Maybe not in the year we are sending all those players on the Lions tour though.

[Yr Alban]

That's not a bad tour tbf.

Much as I prefer 3 match series, it would be nice to get at least one game against New Zealand

Maybe not in the year we are sending all those players on the Lions tour though.

It’s a fair point. It does feel slightly like we are being trolled with a NZ Māori game though. I know it may be the SRU’s choice, but when did we last have a proper SH tour with a couple of meaty tests against a SANZAR country? Even Wales get those.

[I like neeps]

Much as I prefer 3 match series, it would be nice to get at least one game against New Zealand

Maybe not in the year we are sending all those players on the Lions tour though.

It’s a fair point. It does feel slightly like we are being trolled with a NZ Māori game though. I know it may be the SRU’s choice, but when did we last have a proper SH tour with a couple of meaty tests against a SANZAR country? Even Wales get those.

We aren't a draw for the punters in the SH so the unions and world rugby aren't interested in it.

Wales won't be getting any three match SH tours anytime soon either. France Ireland and England will swap round with NZ Australia and SA.

[westport]

A 31-player Emerging Scotland squad has been named ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Italy Under-23s at Hive Stadium (kick off 6.45pm)

Emerging Scotland Squad

Forwards

Jerry Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
Rudi Brown (Vannes)
Rob Carmichael (Edinburgh Rugby)
Tom Currie (Edinburgh Rugby)
Macenzzie Duncan (Glasgow Warriors)
Dan Halkon (Glasgow Warriors)
Mikey Jones (Edinburgh Rugby)
Liam McConnell (Edinburgh Rugby)
Euan McVie (Edinburgh Rugby)
Harri Morris (Edinburgh Rugby)
Callum Norrie (Glasgow Warriors)
Cairn Ramsay (Currie Chieftains)
Joe Roberts (Glasgow Warriors)
Callum Smyth (Glasgow Warriors)
Rhys Tait (Doncaster Knights)

Backs

Sinjin Broad (Heriot’s Rugby)
Jack Brown (Edinburgh Rugby)
Amena Caqusau (Glasgow Warriors)
Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders)
Brent Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)
Kerr Johnston (Glasgow Warriors)
Nairn Moncrieff (Edinburgh Rugby)
Conor McAlpine (Edinburgh Rugby)
Ben Salmon (Glasgow Warriors)
Cammy Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)
Nathan Sweeney (Edinburgh Rugby)
Findlay Thomson (Edinburgh Rugby)
Matthew Urwin (Glasgow Warriors)
Lewis Wells (Edinburgh Rugby)
Kerr Yule (Glasgow Warriors

[Slick]

Maybe not in the year we are sending all those players on the Lions tour though.

It’s a fair point. It does feel slightly like we are being trolled with a NZ Māori game though. I know it may be the SRU’s choice, but when did we last have a proper SH tour with a couple of meaty tests against a SANZAR country? Even Wales get those.

We aren't a draw for the punters in the SH so the unions and world rugby aren't interested in it.

Wales won't be getting any three match SH tours anytime soon either. France Ireland and England will swap round with NZ Australia and SA.

I don’t know, I reckon we would be a draw in NZ at the moment

[Biffer]

Maybe not in the year we are sending all those players on the Lions tour though.

It’s a fair point. It does feel slightly like we are being trolled with a NZ Māori game though. I know it may be the SRU’s choice, but when did we last have a proper SH tour with a couple of meaty tests against a SANZAR country? Even Wales get those.

We aren't a draw for the punters in the SH so the unions and world rugby aren't interested in it.

Wales won't be getting any three match SH tours anytime soon either. France Ireland and England will swap round with NZ Australia and SA.

As I said, nobody will be getting any three match tours anymore, except France and Italy in Lions years.

Summer tours are finished guys.

[I like neeps]

It’s a fair point. It does feel slightly like we are being trolled with a NZ Māori game though. I know it may be the SRU’s choice, but when did we last have a proper SH tour with a couple of meaty tests against a SANZAR country? Even Wales get those.

We aren't a draw for the punters in the SH so the unions and world rugby aren't interested in it.

Wales won't be getting any three match SH tours anytime soon either. France Ireland and England will swap round with NZ Australia and SA.

I don’t know, I reckon we would be a draw in NZ at the moment

To the casual observer who doesn't watch six nations and just sees us finishing c3rd place which will be most of their fan base I'm just not sure we are.

I think the games would be exciting though.

[robmatic]

Rumour time:

Dave Cherry to Leicester. Seems fair enough when Edinburgh want to be playing Ashman and Harrison as much as possible, presumably. And there is whatever happened with him in the Scotland squad.

Edinburgh looking at Nico Steyn, the Lions scrum half. I'm not sure about this one. They need someone to come in as the steady mentor, I would say, with Price leaving, Vellacott not really kicking on as a starting 9, and with things being too late for Shiel. But this guy is young and not particularly experienced.

[westport]

Squad update: Ollie Smith is set to make his comeback from injury this Saturday for Emerging Scotland at Hive Stadium.

[Dogbert]

Squad update: Ollie Smith is set to make his comeback from injury this Saturday for Emerging Scotland at Hive Stadium.

Over a year since he suffered that knee injury against Bayonne, be good to see him back, if all goes well , I suspect he will get a game in one of the 1872 matches

[Big D]

Rumour time:

Dave Cherry to Leicester. Seems fair enough when Edinburgh want to be playing Ashman and Harrison as much as possible, presumably. And there is whatever happened with him in the Scotland squad.

Edinburgh looking at Nico Steyn, the Lions scrum half. I'm not sure about this one. They need someone to come in as the steady mentor, I would say, with Price leaving, Vellacott not really kicking on as a starting 9, and with things being too late for Shiel. But this guy is young and not particularly experienced.

Edinburgh need a complete overhaul of their 9s. Price is gone and neither of the other two 9s have done enough to merit an extension of any length.

Shiel is 27 with less than 80 pro grames averaging 26 minutes a game. He isn't a young lad any more.

[Biffer]

Rumour time:

Dave Cherry to Leicester. Seems fair enough when Edinburgh want to be playing Ashman and Harrison as much as possible, presumably. And there is whatever happened with him in the Scotland squad.

Edinburgh looking at Nico Steyn, the Lions scrum half. I'm not sure about this one. They need someone to come in as the steady mentor, I would say, with Price leaving, Vellacott not really kicking on as a starting 9, and with things being too late for Shiel. But this guy is young and not particularly experienced.

Edinburgh need a complete overhaul of their 9s. Price is gone and neither of the other two 9s have done enough to merit an extension of any length.

Shiel is 27 with less than 80 pro grames averaging 26 minutes a game. He isn't a young lad any more.

Connor MacAlpine in the academy is 20, needs to be pushing on to play at pro level next year. The other two (Hamish MacArthur, Hector Patterson) are a year or two younger. I'd have Vellacot, a new signing and MacAlpine, and see how he goes.

[Slick]

Squad update: Ollie Smith is set to make his comeback from injury this Saturday for Emerging Scotland at Hive Stadium.

Crossing my fingers he gets back to where he was, terrific player

[Yr Alban]

Just saw a headline about Edinburgh ‘waiting on his MRI but it doesn’t look good’ about Freddie Douglas. However, it turns out it’s his ankle, not his ACL, and they’re talking about a number of weeks out rather than the better part of a year!

[Big D]

Duhan staying in Edinburgh until the next WC.

[Tichtheid]

Duhan staying in Edinburgh until the next WC.

Good, but he has to start producing his Scotland form for Edinburgh.

He'll be 32 at the next World Cup, after which he can seek a big pay day in Japan

I really hope Harry Paterson can get rid of the injury jinx

btw, I don't know when Boff will be back, he signed on for two years in 2022 and I think he won't have too many suitors due to his current injury, it would be great to get him fit and signed on too. I think there is room for Boff, Duhan, Darcy, Goosen, Paterson and bringing on the likes of Sweeney, Brown, Wells, Henry etc.

[Biffer]

Duhan staying in Edinburgh until the next WC.

Good, but he has to start producing his Scotland form for Edinburgh.

He'll be 32 at the next World Cup, after which he can seek a big pay day in Japan

I really hope Harry Paterson can get rid of the injury jinx

btw, I don't know when Boff will be back, he signed on for two years in 2022 and I think he won't have too many suitors due to his current injury, it would be great to get him fit and signed on too. I think there is room for Boff, Duhan, Darcy, Goosen, Paterson and bringing on the likes of Sweeney, Brown, Wells, Henry etc.

That's nine back three players you've mentioned. I don't think that provides any opportunity for young players. Paterson will hardly get a game, let alone any of the lads coming out of the academy. I can see Goossen being let go at the end of his contract.

[Tichtheid]

Duhan staying in Edinburgh until the next WC.

Good, but he has to start producing his Scotland form for Edinburgh.

He'll be 32 at the next World Cup, after which he can seek a big pay day in Japan

I really hope Harry Paterson can get rid of the injury jinx

btw, I don't know when Boff will be back, he signed on for two years in 2022 and I think he won't have too many suitors due to his current injury, it would be great to get him fit and signed on too. I think there is room for Boff, Duhan, Darcy, Goosen, Paterson and bringing on the likes of Sweeney, Brown, Wells, Henry etc.

That's nine back three players you've mentioned. I don't think that provides any opportunity for young players. Paterson will hardly get a game, let alone any of the lads coming out of the academy. I can see Goossen being let go at the end of his contract.

Apart from Darcy, Goosen has been our best player. I really wouldn't want to let him go.

I think if a coach wanted to they could rotate players in one at a time, two at a time - Smith does that for Glasgow and as a result he's got a squad of around 30 players who are battle-hardened and ready to go. It's been part of the Leinster recipe for success too - did Sexton, for example, ever play in Edinburgh outside of an International match?


When needs be I'd rather have winger who has experience come in rather than shifting Currie out - he's needed in the centre


Edited to add - perhaps not all of Brown, Henry, Sweeney and Wells will make it even if they did get plenty of time, so there is that to be considered too. Loans where possible could be an idea, as per Henry

[I like neeps]

Good, but he has to start producing his Scotland form for Edinburgh.

He'll be 32 at the next World Cup, after which he can seek a big pay day in Japan

I really hope Harry Paterson can get rid of the injury jinx

btw, I don't know when Boff will be back, he signed on for two years in 2022 and I think he won't have too many suitors due to his current injury, it would be great to get him fit and signed on too. I think there is room for Boff, Duhan, Darcy, Goosen, Paterson and bringing on the likes of Sweeney, Brown, Wells, Henry etc.

That's nine back three players you've mentioned. I don't think that provides any opportunity for young players. Paterson will hardly get a game, let alone any of the lads coming out of the academy. I can see Goossen being let go at the end of his contract.

Apart from Darcy, Goosen has been our best player. I really wouldn't want to let him go.

I think if a coach wanted to they could rotate players in one at a time, two at a time - Smith does that for Glasgow and as a result he's got a squad of around 30 players who are battle-hardened and ready to go. It's been part of the Leinster recipe for success too - did Sexton, for example, ever play in Edinburgh outside of an International match?


When needs be I'd rather have winger who has experience come in rather than shifting Currie out - he's needed in the centre


Edited to add - perhaps not all of Brown, Henry, Sweeney and Wells will make it even if they did get plenty of time, so there is that to be considered too. Loans where possible could be an idea, as per Henry

Smith does it with the forwards, less so the backs. Talking of back three players, Glasgow aren't developing any of them.

Duhan is one of Scotland's most important players so the SRU will look after him at the expense of Edinburgh.

Paterson and Henry can't be relied upon as they're always injured. Sweeney the jury is very much out on. I think if Duhi had left they'd have brought someone in.

[Dogbert]

That's nine back three players you've mentioned. I don't think that provides any opportunity for young players. Paterson will hardly get a game, let alone any of the lads coming out of the academy. I can see Goossen being let go at the end of his contract.

Apart from Darcy, Goosen has been our best player. I really wouldn't want to let him go.

I think if a coach wanted to they could rotate players in one at a time, two at a time - Smith does that for Glasgow and as a result he's got a squad of around 30 players who are battle-hardened and ready to go. It's been part of the Leinster recipe for success too - did Sexton, for example, ever play in Edinburgh outside of an International match?


When needs be I'd rather have winger who has experience come in rather than shifting Currie out - he's needed in the centre


Edited to add - perhaps not all of Brown, Henry, Sweeney and Wells will make it even if they did get plenty of time, so there is that to be considered too. Loans where possible could be an idea, as per Henry

Smith does it with the forwards, less so the backs. Talking of back three players, Glasgow aren't developing any of them.

Duhan is one of Scotland's most important players so the SRU will look after him at the expense of Edinburgh.

Paterson and Henry can't be relied upon as they're always injured. Sweeney the jury is very much out on. I think if Duhi had left they'd have brought someone in.

Well apart from Ollie Smith , and previously Rufus Mclean . Difficult to get in a side with Rowe / Steyn/ Cancelliere,and with the 6-2 split that Franco employs Dobbie covers that role.

Franco obviously has no issue with developing talent, amd blending them into a winning team , Hiddleston (22) , Samuel (21), Williamson (22), Oguntibeju (22), Ferrie (23), Afshar (21), Dobbie (23), all getting significant game time.

Maybe the youngsters that Glasgow have on their books are simply not ready ( or are good enough) yet

[dpedin]

Apart from Darcy, Goosen has been our best player. I really wouldn't want to let him go.

I think if a coach wanted to they could rotate players in one at a time, two at a time - Smith does that for Glasgow and as a result he's got a squad of around 30 players who are battle-hardened and ready to go. It's been part of the Leinster recipe for success too - did Sexton, for example, ever play in Edinburgh outside of an International match?


When needs be I'd rather have winger who has experience come in rather than shifting Currie out - he's needed in the centre


Edited to add - perhaps not all of Brown, Henry, Sweeney and Wells will make it even if they did get plenty of time, so there is that to be considered too. Loans where possible could be an idea, as per Henry

Smith does it with the forwards, less so the backs. Talking of back three players, Glasgow aren't developing any of them.

Duhan is one of Scotland's most important players so the SRU will look after him at the expense of Edinburgh.

Paterson and Henry can't be relied upon as they're always injured. Sweeney the jury is very much out on. I think if Duhi had left they'd have brought someone in.

Well apart from Ollie Smith , and previously Rufus Mclean . Difficult to get in a side with Rowe / Steyn/ Cancelliere,and with the 6-2 split that Franco employs Dobbie covers that role.

Franco obviously has no issue with developing talent, amd blending them into a winning team , Hiddleston (22) , Samuel (21), Williamson (22), Oguntibeju (22), Ferrie (23), Afshar (21), Dobbie (23), all getting significant game time.

Maybe the youngsters that Glasgow have on their books are simply not ready ( or are good enough) yet

I think Franco is strongly of the opinion that if you are good enough then you are old enough and you will get a game. It has been refreshing to see how many youngsters he has blooded this last couple of seasons. However with centers of the calibre of Tupilotu, Jones, Jordan and McDowall and a back 3 of Cacilierre, Rowe, Steyn, Smith and McKay, who all need regular games then it is difficult to slot youngsters in there at times? Dobbie, and Ashfar have both seen good game time and will get lots more this season.

[Tichtheid]

Emerging Scotland team to play Italy U23, Sat 14th of Dec at the Hive

15. Ollie Smith
14. Kerr Johnson
13. Ben Salmon
12. Kerr Yule
11. Geordie Gwynn
10. Cammy Scott
9. Connor McAlpine

1. Mikey Jones
2. Harri Morris
3. Ollie Blythe-Lafferty
4. Euan McVie
5. Robert Carmichael
6. Liam McConnell (C)
7. Rhys Tait
8. Tom Currie

16. Jerry Blythe-Lafferty
17. Callum Smyth
18. Cairn Ramsay
19. Dan Halkon
20. Mackennzie Duncan
21. Rudi Brown
22. Sinjin Broad
23. Mathew Urwin
24. Amena Caqusau
25. Findlay Thompson
26. Nairn Montcrieff
27. Nathan Sweeney

[Dogbert]

Three year extension for Captain Fantastic

If Glasgow can get Josh McKay's deal sorted , that would keep intact most of the current back-line.

[dkm57]

At least I recognise most of the emerging Scotland squad. Looks quite strong.

[KingBlairhorn]

At least I recognise most of the emerging Scotland squad. Looks quite strong.

Probably would be stronger but for the sudden emergency of the likes of Douglas (also injured) and Oguntibeju.

I may be misremembering but was Geordie Gwynn not a centre in the U20 6N?

[I like neeps]

Apart from Darcy, Goosen has been our best player. I really wouldn't want to let him go.

I think if a coach wanted to they could rotate players in one at a time, two at a time - Smith does that for Glasgow and as a result he's got a squad of around 30 players who are battle-hardened and ready to go. It's been part of the Leinster recipe for success too - did Sexton, for example, ever play in Edinburgh outside of an International match?


When needs be I'd rather have winger who has experience come in rather than shifting Currie out - he's needed in the centre


Edited to add - perhaps not all of Brown, Henry, Sweeney and Wells will make it even if they did get plenty of time, so there is that to be considered too. Loans where possible could be an idea, as per Henry

Smith does it with the forwards, less so the backs. Talking of back three players, Glasgow aren't developing any of them.

Duhan is one of Scotland's most important players so the SRU will look after him at the expense of Edinburgh.

Paterson and Henry can't be relied upon as they're always injured. Sweeney the jury is very much out on. I think if Duhi had left they'd have brought someone in.

Well apart from Ollie Smith , and previously Rufus Mclean . Difficult to get in a side with Rowe / Steyn/ Cancelliere,and with the 6-2 split that Franco employs Dobbie covers that role.

Franco obviously has no issue with developing talent, amd blending them into a winning team , Hiddleston (22) , Samuel (21), Williamson (22), Oguntibeju (22), Ferrie (23), Afshar (21), Dobbie (23), all getting significant game time.

Maybe the youngsters that Glasgow have on their books are simply not ready ( or are good enough) yet

McLean didn't play under Smith, was too busy being a wrong'un. Ollie Smith is 24 and was brought through under Wilson.

Smith does a great job bringing in forwards, he hasn't had any success in the backs so far.

[Dogbert]

Smith does it with the forwards, less so the backs. Talking of back three players, Glasgow aren't developing any of them.

Duhan is one of Scotland's most important players so the SRU will look after him at the expense of Edinburgh.

Paterson and Henry can't be relied upon as they're always injured. Sweeney the jury is very much out on. I think if Duhi had left they'd have brought someone in.

Well apart from Ollie Smith , and previously Rufus Mclean . Difficult to get in a side with Rowe / Steyn/ Cancelliere,and with the 6-2 split that Franco employs Dobbie covers that role.

Franco obviously has no issue with developing talent, amd blending them into a winning team , Hiddleston (22) , Samuel (21), Williamson (22), Oguntibeju (22), Ferrie (23), Afshar (21), Dobbie (23), all getting significant game time.

Maybe the youngsters that Glasgow have on their books are simply not ready ( or are good enough) yet

McLean didn't play under Smith, was too busy being a wrong'un. Ollie Smith is 24 and was brought through under Wilson.

Smith does a great job bringing in forwards, he hasn't had any success in the backs so far.

Mclean most certainly did play under Franco , indeed he scored his final try in his final game against Perpignan in the challenge cup at the rescheduled match at Murrayfield in December 2022, and although Smith was indeed had his first game under Wilson for warriors , he is most certainly being developed under Franco.

Of course Franco has slowly been blending in youngsters in the Forwards - but that is where Glasgow have lost more senior players , Turner / Gray / Gordon / Brown / Peterson / Manjezi , so that's where the spaces have become available

[Tichtheid]

From growing up in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire to featuring in the Six Nations via a couple World Cup finals, Hollie Davidson's career has already progressed to the top of international sport as a rugby referee.
On Tuesday, she was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from RGU.


https://www.rgu.ac.uk/news/news-2024/77 ... VVn7muyLDg


Hollie was given her award by someone who is a bit of a personal hero of mine, Dame Evelyn Glennie

[Biffer]

From growing up in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire to featuring in the Six Nations via a couple World Cup finals, Hollie Davidson's career has already progressed to the top of international sport as a rugby referee.
On Tuesday, she was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from RGU.


https://www.rgu.ac.uk/news/news-2024/77 ... VVn7muyLDg


Hollie was given her award by someone who is a bit of a personal hero of mine, Dame Evelyn Glennie

She should have been part of the ref group at the last men’s World Cup but wasn’t. She will be next time. Will be surprised if she doesn’t get her first six nations reffing appointment this year (only had touch judge so far).

[dpedin]

From growing up in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire to featuring in the Six Nations via a couple World Cup finals, Hollie Davidson's career has already progressed to the top of international sport as a rugby referee.
On Tuesday, she was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from RGU.


https://www.rgu.ac.uk/news/news-2024/77 ... VVn7muyLDg


Hollie was given her award by someone who is a bit of a personal hero of mine, Dame Evelyn Glennie

She should have been part of the ref group at the last men’s World Cup but wasn’t. She will be next time. Will be surprised if she doesn’t get her first six nations reffing appointment this year (only had touch judge so far).

Scotlands best referee at the moment in my opinion, and probably one of the best in home nations.

[Sandstorm]

Scotlands best referee at the moment in my opinion, and probably one of the best in home nations.

Needs more work on her scrummaging policing (although TBF so do all the other refs)

[I like neeps]

Well apart from Ollie Smith , and previously Rufus Mclean . Difficult to get in a side with Rowe / Steyn/ Cancelliere,and with the 6-2 split that Franco employs Dobbie covers that role.

Franco obviously has no issue with developing talent, amd blending them into a winning team , Hiddleston (22) , Samuel (21), Williamson (22), Oguntibeju (22), Ferrie (23), Afshar (21), Dobbie (23), all getting significant game time.

Maybe the youngsters that Glasgow have on their books are simply not ready ( or are good enough) yet

McLean didn't play under Smith, was too busy being a wrong'un. Ollie Smith is 24 and was brought through under Wilson.

Smith does a great job bringing in forwards, he hasn't had any success in the backs so far.

Mclean most certainly did play under Franco , indeed he scored his final try in his final game against Perpignan in the challenge cup at the rescheduled match at Murrayfield in December 2022, and although Smith was indeed had his first game under Wilson for warriors , he is most certainly being developed under Franco.

Of course Franco has slowly been blending in youngsters in the Forwards - but that is where Glasgow have lost more senior players , Turner / Gray / Gordon / Brown / Peterson / Manjezi , so that's where the spaces have become available

My mistake time really does fly. Smith was definitely an established starter by Franco starting in 2022.

Eh there's been plenty opportunity, Smith usually has one back on the bench and his back three with NSQ players, which lessens it.

How many academy backs have been given a debut by Smith? Afshar and 10 minutes for Duncan Munn? Its not a good record... so far....

[robmatic]

McLean didn't play under Smith, was too busy being a wrong'un. Ollie Smith is 24 and was brought through under Wilson.

Smith does a great job bringing in forwards, he hasn't had any success in the backs so far.

Mclean most certainly did play under Franco , indeed he scored his final try in his final game against Perpignan in the challenge cup at the rescheduled match at Murrayfield in December 2022, and although Smith was indeed had his first game under Wilson for warriors , he is most certainly being developed under Franco.

Of course Franco has slowly been blending in youngsters in the Forwards - but that is where Glasgow have lost more senior players , Turner / Gray / Gordon / Brown / Peterson / Manjezi , so that's where the spaces have become available

My mistake time really does fly. Smith was definitely an established starter by Franco starting in 2022.

Eh there's been plenty opportunity, Smith usually has one back on the bench and his back three with NSQ players, which lessens it.

How many academy backs have been given a debut by Smith? Afshar and 10 minutes for Duncan Munn? Its not a good record... so far....

The development of backs has been objectively poor under Smith but he is getting a lot of leeway because he is winning games and championships.