The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[TheNatalShark]

Dependent on offer may be in Edinburgh for a while, working in Gogar.

Amateur wise, any clubs to avoid? Unfamiliar with the club scene. Will probably base myself west way.

[C T]

Finn and Darcy both out for the England game, apparently. Which gives us the chance to get our excuses in early.

Only seen this on ruck.co.uk so far, so hoping it's click-baity crap.

[Tichtheid]

Dependent on offer may be in Edinburgh for a while, working in Gogar.

Amateur wise, any clubs to avoid? Unfamiliar with the club scene. Will probably base myself west way.

To be honest I've never heard of any rugby clubs that should be avoided.

Around that area is Boroughmuir for high level amateur stuff, Watsons too.

Corstorphine are East League Div 2, as are Livingston who are further west

Forrester are a division above that but are currently equal bottom with a couple of matches to play


I've become involved with my local club since moving back to Scotland. It's much more fulfilling than professional rugby where you are so far removed from everything that is going on.

[Biffer]

Dependent on offer may be in Edinburgh for a while, working in Gogar.

Amateur wise, any clubs to avoid? Unfamiliar with the club scene. Will probably base myself west way.

I wouldn't go to Espionage,

[Slick]

Dependent on offer may be in Edinburgh for a while, working in Gogar.

Amateur wise, any clubs to avoid? Unfamiliar with the club scene. Will probably base myself west way.

Is it to play or support/get involved with?

Nothing to add on top of the clubs Tichtheid has mentioned. I spend a fair bit of time at Watsonians which is a good club and good people. Also have got to know a few really good folk who are involved with Forrester but have never been down myself

[Yr Alban]

Finn and Darcy both out for the England game, apparently. Which gives us the chance to get our excuses in early.

Only seen this on ruck.co.uk so far, so hoping it's click-baity crap.

Hope you’re right - have noticed it hasn’t appeared on any other service.

[topofthemoon]

Finn and Darcy both out for the England game, apparently. Which gives us the chance to get our excuses in early.

Only seen this on ruck.co.uk so far, so hoping it's click-baity crap.

Hope you’re right - have noticed it hasn’t appeared on any other service.

The fact Scotland are holding back Kyle Rowe from playing for Glasgow doesn't seem particularly encouraging for Darcy's prognosis. They have released the other 10 from Edinburgh and Glasgow who didn't make the 23 last weekend.

[Jock42]

Only seen this on ruck.co.uk so far, so hoping it's click-baity crap.

Hope you’re right - have noticed it hasn’t appeared on any other service.

The fact Scotland are holding back Kyle Rowe from playing for Glasgow doesn't seem particularly encouraging for Darcy's prognosis. They have released the other 10 from Edinburgh and Glasgow who didn't make the 23 last weekend.

He doesn't seem to rate Reed and with Steyn playing this weekend for the first time in several weeks it's possibly just a contingency.

[Slick]

Only seen this on ruck.co.uk so far, so hoping it's click-baity crap.

Hope you’re right - have noticed it hasn’t appeared on any other service.

The fact Scotland are holding back Kyle Rowe from playing for Glasgow doesn't seem particularly encouraging for Darcy's prognosis. They have released the other 10 from Edinburgh and Glasgow who didn't make the 23 last weekend.

A lot of speculation, but do we know any more about Finn? I think we are in for a very long afternoon if he isn't available

[Yr Alban]

Hope you’re right - have noticed it hasn’t appeared on any other service.

The fact Scotland are holding back Kyle Rowe from playing for Glasgow doesn't seem particularly encouraging for Darcy's prognosis. They have released the other 10 from Edinburgh and Glasgow who didn't make the 23 last weekend.

A lot of speculation, but do we know any more about Finn? I think we are in for a very long afternoon if he isn't available

Read something again this morning that I read at the time, but had forgotten. Finn actually passed his HIA after the collision. The medical team (by which I probably mean my old mate Jon) decided not to put him back on the field because despite this, they didn’t think he was quite right. But if he didn’t fail an assessment, presumably the concussion protocols don’t have to be followed in the same way, and he should be available to play. This is surmise, of course. They could have decided to follow the protocols anyway, which involves a mandatory stand down period. Ruck.co.uk were claiming this meant he wouldn’t be able to train with the squad until the day prior to the game. Presumably they did a bit of maths and that’s how they got the headline.

[Biffer]

The fact Scotland are holding back Kyle Rowe from playing for Glasgow doesn't seem particularly encouraging for Darcy's prognosis. They have released the other 10 from Edinburgh and Glasgow who didn't make the 23 last weekend.

A lot of speculation, but do we know any more about Finn? I think we are in for a very long afternoon if he isn't available

Read something again this morning that I read at the time, but had forgotten. Finn actually passed his HIA after the collision. The medical team (by which I probably mean my old mate Jon) decided not to put him back on the field because despite this, they didn’t think he was quite right. But if he didn’t fail an assessment, presumably the concussion protocols don’t have to be followed in the same way, and he should be available to play. This is surmise, of course. They could have decided to follow the protocols anyway, which involves a mandatory stand down period. Ruck.co.uk were claiming this meant he wouldn’t be able to train with the squad until the day prior to the game. Presumably they did a bit of maths and that’s how they got the headline.

I read that, but also read that he failed one later - delayed symptoms.

[topofthemoon]

If Finn has been removed because he has been showing symptoms of a concussion I think he will be treated as if he has a concussion which is a 12 day stand down from competitive action.

At the very least I would have thought they would treat it like a failed HIA 1 and he would need to pass HIA 2 and HIA 3 to be able to return 7 to days after the incident.

"...any player with a history of concussion or who has been removed from a match with obvious concussion symptoms will sit out of competitive action for a minimum of 12 days.

Players without a history of concussion who subsequently undergo a Head Injury Assessment 3 (HIA 3) that unearths no abnormal findings will be eligible to return on the seventh day after the occurrence of their injury."

The protocol only mentions competitive games not training.

[clydecloggie]

Big kudos to the Scotland medical team for making that call btw.

[Yr Alban]

Big kudos to the Scotland medical team for making that call btw.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve known the new head of the medical team since we started medical school in 1991. I’d expect no less.

[Yr Alban]

Johnnie Beattie saying on the BBC site ‘careful what you wish for’ wanting to get rid of Toony, saying that we punch above our weight and we can’t expect to beat everyone with the resources we have.

This is very probably true, but it completely misses the point. I can accept a Scotland team that loses games against better sides - as long as they play for the jersey and fight tooth and nail for every inch. Maybe we’re not good enough to win every game, but we should damn well try. But against Ireland (and also South Africa, but we play them far less frequently) we don’t do that. We shit the bed, fail to turn up, call it what you like. We don’t rise to the challenge. Last year in Dublin, we did. It wasn’t quite good enough in the end, and that’s OK. What we deserved to see was that level of commitment again, except with home advantage. We didn’t get it, and I won’t accept that.

[Jock42]

Johnnie Beattie saying on the BBC site ‘careful what you wish for’ wanting to get rid of Toony, saying that we punch above our weight and we can’t expect to beat everyone with the resources we have.

This is very probably true, but it completely misses the point. I can accept a Scotland team that loses games against better sides - as long as they play for the jersey and fight tooth and nail for every inch. Maybe we’re not good enough to win every game, but we should damn well try. But against Ireland (and also South Africa, but we play them far less frequently) we don’t do that. We shit the bed, fail to turn up, call it what you like. We don’t rise to the challenge. Last year in Dublin, we did. It wasn’t quite good enough in the end, and that’s OK. What we deserved to see was that level of commitment again, except with home advantage. We didn’t get it, and I won’t accept that.

He also said he knew they were up for the game. I think it was English who said they looked beaten before kick off and I agree with him. No matter how much bravado those players might show in the changing room, in front of each other, they don't believe it.

[Punter15]

Johnnie Beattie saying on the BBC site ‘careful what you wish for’ wanting to get rid of Toony, saying that we punch above our weight and we can’t expect to beat everyone with the resources we have.

This is very probably true, but it completely misses the point. I can accept a Scotland team that loses games against better sides - as long as they play for the jersey and fight tooth and nail for every inch. Maybe we’re not good enough to win every game, but we should damn well try. But against Ireland (and also South Africa, but we play them far less frequently) we don’t do that. We shit the bed, fail to turn up, call it what you like. We don’t rise to the challenge. Last year in Dublin, we did. It wasn’t quite good enough in the end, and that’s OK. What we deserved to see was that level of commitment again, except with home advantage. We didn’t get it, and I won’t accept that.

He also said he knew they were up for the game. I think it was English who said they looked beaten before kick off and I agree with him. No matter how much bravado those players might show in the changing room, in front of each other, they don't believe it.

I think Toonie’s lost the dressing room. The teams we fall apart against don’t show more passion and grit, they are just much, much better drilled and we don’t have an answer for it and go all deer in the headlights and the confidence evaporates.

[Paddington Bear]

At the risk of re-opening a discussion (likely to occur throughout Fin Smith’s career anyway), I though Jim Hamilton explained himself as an English born Scot and his attitude to England pretty well on his podcast this week.

Thinking about my own father in law as another Scot who raised his kids outside Scotland, my wife supports England unless they’re playing Scotland and whilst not necessarily a majority view it’ reflects at least a sizeable chunk of people in that situation.

[Slick]

At the risk of re-opening a discussion (likely to occur throughout Fin Smith’s career anyway), I though Jim Hamilton explained himself as an English born Scot and his attitude to England pretty well on his podcast this week.

Thinking about my own father in law as another Scot who raised his kids outside Scotland, my wife supports England unless they’re playing Scotland and whilst not necessarily a majority view it’ reflects at least a sizeable chunk of people in that situation.

What did Jim say?

[Paddington Bear]

At the risk of re-opening a discussion (likely to occur throughout Fin Smith’s career anyway), I though Jim Hamilton explained himself as an English born Scot and his attitude to England pretty well on his podcast this week.

Thinking about my own father in law as another Scot who raised his kids outside Scotland, my wife supports England unless they’re playing Scotland and whilst not necessarily a majority view it’ reflects at least a sizeable chunk of people in that situation.

What did Jim say?

Essentially: like England love Scotland, wish them success when not playing Scotland, happy to support the football team in particular (this last point from my anecdotal experience is very common, particularly among part English part Welsh people). A bit more to it but that’s the gist

[Big D]

At the risk of re-opening a discussion (likely to occur throughout Fin Smith’s career anyway), I though Jim Hamilton explained himself as an English born Scot and his attitude to England pretty well on his podcast this week.

Thinking about my own father in law as another Scot who raised his kids outside Scotland, my wife supports England unless they’re playing Scotland and whilst not necessarily a majority view it’ reflects at least a sizeable chunk of people in that situation.

My boys have a Northern Irish Mum and they'll cheer Ireland on during any rugby match unless it is against Scotland. My wife has been in Scotland for over 20 years now and she does the opposite, cheer for Scotland except when against Ireland, although she hasn't been too disappointed in the rare times we beat them.

[Tichtheid]

At the risk of re-opening a discussion (likely to occur throughout Fin Smith’s career anyway), I though Jim Hamilton explained himself as an English born Scot and his attitude to England pretty well on his podcast this week.

Thinking about my own father in law as another Scot who raised his kids outside Scotland, my wife supports England unless they’re playing Scotland and whilst not necessarily a majority view it’ reflects at least a sizeable chunk of people in that situation.

I say the following having lived in Brighton for 30 years - I tend to support teams that play the kind of rugby I like, so it's usually France as my second team. I wish England well when they are not playing us, but to be honest there are things that either grate or I find cringeworthy especially in football - 1966 and all that, nearly 60 years ago and they still bang on about it.

I loved the great New Zealand sides of Carter and McCaw but when England beat a later iteration of them in the 2019 World Cup I applauded them, that was fantastic display, and I cheered them heartily when they won the RWC.
I went to Twickenham for the Calcutta Cup with a bunch of mates from Brighton who are all English. Unfortunately that was before the current run of games but it was a terrific day out.

You know that Batman meme where he slaps Robin for saying something stupid? That should happen to Ben Earl every time he screams his head off when the opposition knocks on.

[Tichtheid]

Looks like there is a bit of succession planning for the back row - young Tom Currie is a brilliant prospect, as is Liam McConnell

[Jock42]

That's a pretty handy side with a couple of young potential stars in there. Great to see Boff back

[topofthemoon]

If Finn has been removed because he has been showing symptoms of a concussion I think he will be treated as if he has a concussion which is a 12 day stand down from competitive action.

At the very least I would have thought they would treat it like a failed HIA 1 and he would need to pass HIA 2 and HIA 3 to be able to return 7 to days after the incident.

"...any player with a history of concussion or who has been removed from a match with obvious concussion symptoms will sit out of competitive action for a minimum of 12 days.

Players without a history of concussion who subsequently undergo a Head Injury Assessment 3 (HIA 3) that unearths no abnormal findings will be eligible to return on the seventh day after the occurrence of their injury."

The protocol only mentions competitive games not training.

From the story on Darcy Graham it sounds like a 12-day stand down will mean missing the England game as he's being reported as only likely to be available for the final two fixtures.

So Finn's availability rests on whether the symptoms he showed are being treated as evidence of concussion - which would be a 12-day stand down - or a failed HIA in which case he will have to pass HIA 2 and HIA 3 in order to be available for the England game, including the week's preparations leading up to it.

[Yr Alban]

What’s with the sudden inclusion of the players’ school teams in the line-up? I know the SRU allocate pro players to Premiership clubs, but that’s not what’s going on here, given the inclusion of teams in SA and England.

[Yr Alban]

At the risk of re-opening a discussion (likely to occur throughout Fin Smith’s career anyway), I though Jim Hamilton explained himself as an English born Scot and his attitude to England pretty well on his podcast this week.

Thinking about my own father in law as another Scot who raised his kids outside Scotland, my wife supports England unless they’re playing Scotland and whilst not necessarily a majority view it’ reflects at least a sizeable chunk of people in that situation.

I’m staying out of it this time. I seemed to upset people first time round.

I’ll just observe that the stage is quite clearly set for a command performance from the man to break our recent Twickenham streak.

[Jock42]

What’s with the sudden inclusion of the players’ school teams in the line-up? I know the SRU allocate pro players to Premiership clubs, but that’s not what’s going on here, given the inclusion of teams in SA and England.

It's "Origin Round" where the league celebrates players amateur clubs.

[Tichtheid]

What’s with the sudden inclusion of the players’ school teams in the line-up? I know the SRU allocate pro players to Premiership clubs, but that’s not what’s going on here, given the inclusion of teams in SA and England.

It's "Origin Round" where the league celebrates players amateur clubs.

Yeah and some don't really have an amateur club that they have played for, so presumably that's why they select their school as "where it all started"

[GrahamWa]

Quite like Tuipoluto's nod to Greenock Granny as well as his Oz Junior club.

[Yr Alban]

What’s with the sudden inclusion of the players’ school teams in the line-up? I know the SRU allocate pro players to Premiership clubs, but that’s not what’s going on here, given the inclusion of teams in SA and England.

It's "Origin Round" where the league celebrates players amateur clubs.

Ah, I hadn’t heard about that.

[SomersetJock]

What’s with the sudden inclusion of the players’ school teams in the line-up? I know the SRU allocate pro players to Premiership clubs, but that’s not what’s going on here, given the inclusion of teams in SA and England.

It's "Origin Round" where the league celebrates players amateur clubs.

Ah, I hadn’t heard about that.

Good to see James Lang remembers his roots with our local club

[Paddington Bear]

At the risk of re-opening a discussion (likely to occur throughout Fin Smith’s career anyway), I though Jim Hamilton explained himself as an English born Scot and his attitude to England pretty well on his podcast this week.

Thinking about my own father in law as another Scot who raised his kids outside Scotland, my wife supports England unless they’re playing Scotland and whilst not necessarily a majority view it’ reflects at least a sizeable chunk of people in that situation.

I’m staying out of it this time. I seemed to upset people first time round.

I’ll just observe that the stage is quite clearly set for a command performance from the man to break our recent Twickenham streak.

I completely get your POV which is entirely valid, it’s worth listening to Hamilton et al as a reminder that some (most?) people qualified for multiple countries have a foot in both camps and would happily represent either

[Biffer]

Anyone still clinging to a vague idea that London Scottish can somehow become our third pro team and play in the URC, this would suggest it ain’t gonna happen.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/ ... SApp_Other

[Slick]

Anyone still clinging to a vague idea that London Scottish can somehow become our third pro team and play in the URC, this would suggest it ain’t gonna happen.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/ ... SApp_Other

I fully accept this may be a stupid question, but what can actually be done if a club decides to join a foreign league but base themselves in England? Presumably it's not against the law of the land to play a game of rugby, even without the RFU's blessing?

[SaintK]

Anyone still clinging to a vague idea that London Scottish can somehow become our third pro team and play in the URC, this would suggest it ain’t gonna happen.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/ ... SApp_Other

They'd also have to find a new ground if it ever happened. Richmond Athletic Ground would never be allowed to be redeveloped

[Jock42]

Anyone still clinging to a vague idea that London Scottish can somehow become our third pro team and play in the URC, this would suggest it ain’t gonna happen.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/ ... SApp_Other

I fully accept this may be a stupid question, but what can actually be done if a club decides to join a foreign league but base themselves in England? Presumably it's not against the law of the land to play a game of rugby, even without the RFU's blessing?

I assume there's some clauses in whatever contract they've signed being part of the RFU that wouldn't allow that. Health and safety/insurance type stuff.

[Paddington Bear]

Anyone still clinging to a vague idea that London Scottish can somehow become our third pro team and play in the URC, this would suggest it ain’t gonna happen.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/ ... SApp_Other

I fully accept this may be a stupid question, but what can actually be done if a club decides to join a foreign league but base themselves in England? Presumably it's not against the law of the land to play a game of rugby, even without the RFU's blessing?

I assume there's some clauses in whatever contract they've signed being part of the RFU that wouldn't allow that. Health and safety/insurance type stuff.

Believe it is the same everywhere - World Rugby will not sanction a game that isn’t approved by the hosting union

[Slick]

I fully accept this may be a stupid question, but what can actually be done if a club decides to join a foreign league but base themselves in England? Presumably it's not against the law of the land to play a game of rugby, even without the RFU's blessing?

I assume there's some clauses in whatever contract they've signed being part of the RFU that wouldn't allow that. Health and safety/insurance type stuff.

Believe it is the same everywhere - World Rugby will not sanction a game that isn’t approved by the hosting union

That was the bit I knew I was missing.

[Yr Alban]

Anyone still clinging to a vague idea that London Scottish can somehow become our third pro team and play in the URC, this would suggest it ain’t gonna happen.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/ ... SApp_Other

I think this was probably always a doomed idea from the outset, but I don’t think the two situations are exactly alike. The article cites that London Irish would be in the doghouse for going into admin after receiving £150m in RFU funding, which would obviously make them reluctant to let them defect to the URC. Scottish didn’t go bust and presumably have had a fraction of that money, and they have always been affiliated to both the RFU and the SRU.

Having said that, I still think the idea will go nowhere, because the RFU would need to sign off on it, and what would be in it for them?