The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Dogbert]

Glasgow Team for Dragons

Looking for a full 5 points against the Dragons who are currently proping up the bottom the URC.

A decent sprinkling of older heads with some youngsters.

Warrior to Watch - Fin Richardson - 26 year old tight-head who arrived from Exeter winning his 3rd cap.Tough getting gametime when yo are up against Zander ( who has been pretty much fit all season ) , so this is a good opportunity to impress , still only 26 , so plenty of time yet to step in Zander's shoes.
We have seen how Rory Sutherland has pushed his way into the Scotland team since returning to the warriors - Fin is in the perfect place with Ally Dickinson as the scrum / forwards coach to develop into a reliable replacement for Zander


1 Jamie Bhatti (115)
2 Grant Stewart (55)
3 Fin Richardson (2)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (3)
5 Alex Samuel (28)
6 Euan Ferrie (27)
7 Henco Venter (30)
8 Jack Mann (8)
9 George Horne (129)
10 Duncan Weir (C) (159)
11 Facundo Cordero (7)
12 Duncan Munn (3)
13 Ollie Smith (39)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (49)
15 Josh McKay (60)

Replacements
16 Johnny Matthews (86)
17 Nathan McBeth (47)
18 Patrick Schickerling (5)
19 Ally Miller (34)
20 Angus Fraser (17)
21 Macenzzie Duncan (0)
22 Ben Afshar (14)
23 Kerr Johnston (0)

Unavailable for selection: Scott Cummings (arm), Adam Hastings (face), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (pectoral), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

International duty: Gregor Brown, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Dobie, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall, Kyle Rowe, Rory Sutherland.

[Yr Alban]

Thinking more about the London Scottish thing: I can’t see how there would be enough money to float them as a URC team, but not to pay for another team playing in Scotland. The potential audience in London would be bigger, yes, but I’d still be looking to relaunch Caley Reds with games in Aberdeen and Perth.

[I like neeps]

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?

Theoretically, let's say there's a world where London Scottish, London Irish, London Welsh are owned by the respective unions but based in London the RFU would have three more pro teams in a good league where a good % of the players are EQ who they aren't on the hook for financially. So you'd have free player development funded by the other unions.

With a bit of lateral thinking there is justification if they so wished. Won't happen as the SRU and WRU can't afford it.

[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

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?

Theoretically, let's say there's a world where London Scottish, London Irish, London Welsh are owned by the respective unions but based in London the RFU would have three more pro teams in a good league where a good % of the players are EQ who they aren't on the hook for financially. So you'd have free player development funded by the other unions.

With a bit of lateral thinking there is justification if they so wished. Won't happen as the SRU and WRU can't afford it.

Where would they theoretically play?

[I like neeps]

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?

Theoretically, let's say there's a world where London Scottish, London Irish, London Welsh are owned by the respective unions but based in London the RFU would have three more pro teams in a good league where a good % of the players are EQ who they aren't on the hook for financially. So you'd have free player development funded by the other unions.

With a bit of lateral thinking there is justification if they so wished. Won't happen as the SRU and WRU can't afford it.

Where would they theoretically play?

In London.

I'd be more than happy for another union to pay for a fully pro club and develop dual qualified players. You'd bet a lot would consider playing for England. As said, won't happen, but its not without an obvious benefit to the RFU for very little cost.

[SaintK]

Theoretically, let's say there's a world where London Scottish, London Irish, London Welsh are owned by the respective unions but based in London the RFU would have three more pro teams in a good league where a good % of the players are EQ who they aren't on the hook for financially. So you'd have free player development funded by the other unions.

With a bit of lateral thinking there is justification if they so wished. Won't happen as the SRU and WRU can't afford it.

Where would they theoretically play?

In London.

I'd be more than happy for another union to pay for a fully pro club and develop dual qualified players. You'd bet a lot would consider playing for England. As said, won't happen, but its not without an obvious benefit to the RFU for very little cost.

All three clubs are based in a small part of outer SW London which is also home to Harlequins. Wasps at least are looking to make a come back on the SE London/Kent border. Sarries are in North London.
As you say it ain't going to happen...........ever.

[Yr Alban]

Theoretically, let's say there's a world where London Scottish, London Irish, London Welsh are owned by the respective unions but based in London the RFU would have three more pro teams in a good league where a good % of the players are EQ who they aren't on the hook for financially. So you'd have free player development funded by the other unions.

With a bit of lateral thinking there is justification if they so wished. Won't happen as the SRU and WRU can't afford it.

Where would they theoretically play?

In London.

I'd be more than happy for another union to pay for a fully pro club and develop dual qualified players. You'd bet a lot would consider playing for England. As said, won't happen, but its not without an obvious benefit to the RFU for very little cost.

If I were the RFU, I’d see an initiative like this as rather a lot more likely to encourage EQ players to represent other countries than to represent England.

[KingBlairhorn]

I think Edinburgh might genuinely have one of the shittest attacks I’ve ever seen.

[Tichtheid]

I think Edinburgh might genuinely have one of the shittest attacks I’ve ever seen.

It's utter pish, not even one dimensional

and it's not the players (although Price and Thompson are playing like drains, how much of that is down to the system, I don't know)

[KingBlairhorn]

At the very least Edinburgh have to consider a new attack coach but to be honest I am well past the point where I’ve had enough of Everitt.

[Big D]

At the very least Edinburgh have to consider a new attack coach but to be honest I am well past the point where I’ve had enough of Everitt.

He has to go. Should never have been extended.

[I like neeps]

Mosese has played well

[I like neeps]

Serious serious questions need to be asked about why the SRU threw so much money at Ben Healy.

[KingBlairhorn]

Edinburgh with a chance of a serious let off here, if they don’t take it they might as well give up this season now.

[KingBlairhorn]

Fuck.ing.hell.

[dpedin]

Edinburgh .... Wales in disguise!

[KingBlairhorn]

Right SRU, that has to be it. Sack him.

[I like neeps]

New CEO has a decision to make...

[Tichtheid]

Sean, don't let the door hit your arse on the way out, and take that empty shirt of an "attack coach" with you.

[Biffer]

Utter shite from Edinburgh. Looked like fifteen guys had met for the first time in the car park. If you can't take advantage of a thirteen man defence made up of Zebre players, you are shit.

Everitt has to go. Utterly fucking hopeless.

[BagfordViper]

Healey at least seems to have a vague understanding that it's best to try and play in the opposition's half. Shame about the execution though, which was erratic, putting it very kindly indeed. Thomson just isn't cutting it. Vellacot seemed quite lively and at least to have some sense of urgency and purpose. But that is the tiniest of tiny positives. That was simply dreadful. No leadership, no tactical direction, no variety, no skills, no clue. The coach and players ought to take a very long and hard look at themselves.

What is it about rugby players? They don't seem to comprehend that if you're a man up, never mind two, you need to stretch the defence, not bash it up in a bunch. Just brain dead, totally dumb..

[dpedin]

Sean, don't let the door hit your arse on the way out, and take that empty shirt of an "attack coach" with you.

Totally agree! That was just plain awful, not a scintilla of a coherent attack. Price is just so slow now and Thomson showed why the Weegies didnt try too hard to hold onto him. Without some leadership and direction at either 9 or 10 the team doesn't function and Edinburgh showed that in spades tonight. I am not sure even the players knew what they were trying to do in attack tonight!

Everitt should be gone by the end of the weekend, he is dragging the whole squad down and it doesn't do much for the national team leaving us with only one pro team to pick players from!!!

[Yr Alban]

Just, fucking hell. Losing to Zebre? At home? Done with this shite. Sack the fucker and let his name never be mentioned again.

[KingBlairhorn]

Just, fucking hell. Losing to Zebre? At home? Done with this shite. Sack the fucker and let his name never be mentioned again.

I mean, it’s actually worse than that. It was essentially a loss at home to Zebre B. Edinburgh weren’t full noise, but the best teams in the league will BP the Zebre first team with their thirds.

[westport]

I cannot understand why you lot don't get it.

Historically Edinburgh have always been fairly rubbish to crap, no matter who has been coach. When a new coach comes in they might have a couple of weeks/months playing really well and then they revert back to their normal attitudes.

As for last night, to be polite, they were woeful.

[SaintK]

Just, fucking hell. Losing to Zebre? At home? Done with this shite. Sack the fucker and let his name never be mentioned again.

Graham Rowntree and Stuart Lancaster are looking for jobs. Just saying like!!!!

[Tichtheid]

I cannot understand why you lot don't get it.

Historically Edinburgh have always been fairly rubbish to crap, no matter who has been coach. When a new coach comes in they might have a couple of weeks/months playing really well and then they revert back to their normal attitudes.

As for last night, to be polite, they were woeful.

I can't think of any head coach at Edinburgh who has gone on to enjoy success elsewhere. Todd Blackadder had moderate success in reaching playoffs with the Crusaders, a team stacked with All Black talent, but that's about it.

It's not an attractive gig, it doesn't attract talented coaches, but it should. Glasgow saw the difference between Danny Wilson and Franco Smith with pretty much the same squad of players.

[Tichtheid]

Just, fucking hell. Losing to Zebre? At home? Done with this shite. Sack the fucker and let his name never be mentioned again.

Graham Rowntree and Stuart Lancaster are looking for jobs. Just saying like!!!!

To my mind Lancaster at Leinster shows that he is a decent coach when he is in an assistant role with a squad of talented players to work with. The Leinster players liked him as a coach.

[Yr Alban]

I cannot understand why you lot don't get it.

Historically Edinburgh have always been fairly rubbish to crap, no matter who has been coach. When a new coach comes in they might have a couple of weeks/months playing really well and then they revert back to their normal attitudes.

As for last night, to be polite, they were woeful.

Yes, but they also have a good squad of players who somehow play as less than the sum of their parts for Edinburgh. Maybe not an amazing squad, but better than their shambolic form would suggest. Something is wrong with the culture. We’ve discussed how Bradbury had to apply himself at Bristol, started to look good, then re-signed for Edinburgh and didn’t have to try hard any more. They need a hard taskmaster to give them all a shock. The issue is that they had one in Cockerill, but he couldn’t keep the players on-side. They need a Jim Telfer.

[Jock42]

Get Kenny to fuck

[KingBlairhorn]

Just, fucking hell. Losing to Zebre? At home? Done with this shite. Sack the fucker and let his name never be mentioned again.

Graham Rowntree and Stuart Lancaster are looking for jobs. Just saying like!!!!

The issue with Edinburgh now is, why would any half decent manager go there? If they are half decent they will have options, and Edinburgh are now surely seen as a career killer. The likelihood of Edinburgh attracting a name like these is, at least in my opinion, almost nil.

[fishfoodie]

Just, fucking hell. Losing to Zebre? At home? Done with this shite. Sack the fucker and let his name never be mentioned again.

Graham Rowntree and Stuart Lancaster are looking for jobs. Just saying like!!!!

The issue with Edinburgh now is, why would any half decent manager go there? If they are half decent they will have options, and Edinburgh are now surely seen as a career killer. The likelihood of Edinburgh attracting a name like these is, at least in my opinion, almost nil.

I think there's a massive difference between going into Wales, & going into Embra or any other club as manager.

In a National setup, you've SFA say in who your players are, & you are massively constrained as to being able to right games off as being training exercises, because the Union needs the funds from the 6N, or Autumn Internationals, & not having full houses just isn't acceptable.

On the other hand, when you go into a club side; you get a decent say in who comes in, & who goes out; so you can pick players that can play the style of play you want, while in the National setup, if you just don't have a decent front 5, then wanting to play a style of play that depends on having a dominant scrum is just absurd

[TartanBear]

Scotland simply don’t have the cattle. No one is at fault, but there is certain opposition that will always play Scotland with a style that exploits that. Ireland and South African are two teams in point. France too. No matter the quality of the backs (which is currently as good as I can remember), without the ball, or with limited ball going backwards and a defence that removes decision making time, Scotland will not beat those sides. Curiously, England can take advantage, but for whatever reason, have failed to do so in the last few fixtures. I don’t expect that on Saturday. They should win comfortably.

No national coach is going to be able fix the lack of grunt and athleticism in the front 5. You can’t coach genetics, but see below. Franco Smith has done a great job with Glasgow, but he’s in there with the lads for 10/11 months a year and can make adjustments and implement strategies that mitigate this. He can also select NSQ players, an option not available to Scotland.

I say you can’t coach genetics. However, in my opinion, if Scottish players were playing high intensity, physical and highly competitive games every week from 12+, allied to a structured and focussed s&c environment, then things could improve. You need numbers for that, and I don’t think there are enough kids playing or that too many prospects are lost before they have time to demonstrate the ability to compete consistently at the top level. Step forward David Nucifora.

[TartanBear]

Glasgow’s mixed 1st/2nd (more second) doing the job with Franco’s blueprint. Franco would struggle to develop that with a national position; tough doing that with a few weeks a year - reliant on the pro teams building the pipeline.

Jack Mann looks just as good as Marcus B did (albeit MB was younger), but if he progresses, he’s going to be a starter for Scotland, I reckon. Power, aggression and accuracy. Very old news, but Ollie Smith also looks like he can push on and be a solid international.

[Slick]

Glasgow’s mixed 1st/2nd (more second) doing the job with Franco’s blueprint. Franco would struggle to develop that with a national position; tough doing that with a few weeks a year - reliant on the pro teams building the pipeline.

Jack Mann looks just as good as Marcus B did (albeit MB was younger), but if he progresses, he’s going to be a starter for Scotland, I reckon. Power, aggression and accuracy. Very old news, but Ollie Smith also looks like he can push on and be a solid international.

Great to see Ollie back, I’m a big fan

[Big D]

Just, fucking hell. Losing to Zebre? At home? Done with this shite. Sack the fucker and let his name never be mentioned again.

Graham Rowntree and Stuart Lancaster are looking for jobs. Just saying like!!!!

The issue with Edinburgh now is, why would any half decent manager go there? If they are half decent they will have options, and Edinburgh are now surely seen as a career killer. The likelihood of Edinburgh attracting a name like these is, at least in my opinion, almost nil.

I don't think it needs to be a name necessarily. Just a coaching staff with plans and discipline would be a step up.

[dpedin]

Graham Rowntree and Stuart Lancaster are looking for jobs. Just saying like!!!!

The issue with Edinburgh now is, why would any half decent manager go there? If they are half decent they will have options, and Edinburgh are now surely seen as a career killer. The likelihood of Edinburgh attracting a name like these is, at least in my opinion, almost nil.

I don't think it needs to be a name necessarily. Just a coaching staff with plans and discipline would be a step up.

Everitt has lost it and if the SRU aren't making plans for his replacement as we speak then they also deserve to go! He has not contributed a single iota of improvement in his time here and indeed has moved us backwards since his arrival. Many players look lost and stumbling about not knowing what to do next , their confidence is shot. For example Bradbury cant go from Bristol player of the season to a stumbling wreck in less than a season? For the good of the game in Scotland, not least the national team, we need at least a vaguely competitive Edinburgh side. They have spent a few bob investing in the squad and it is good enough and big enough to do a lot better - we had any number of guys who have been capped at international level playing on Friday including a couple of ex Lions! I cannot believe Everitt can turn the ship around, I have been pretty vocal that he isnt the coach for us for some time and I am sorry to prove I have been proven right, so better to let go and let an interim coach try their hand.

[Big D]

The issue with Edinburgh now is, why would any half decent manager go there? If they are half decent they will have options, and Edinburgh are now surely seen as a career killer. The likelihood of Edinburgh attracting a name like these is, at least in my opinion, almost nil.

I don't think it needs to be a name necessarily. Just a coaching staff with plans and discipline would be a step up.

Everitt has lost it and if the SRU aren't making plans for his replacement as we speak then they also deserve to go! He has not contributed a single iota of improvement in his time here and indeed has moved us backwards since his arrival. Many players look lost and stumbling about not knowing what to do next , their confidence is shot. For example Bradbury cant go from Bristol player of the season to a stumbling wreck in less than a season? For the good of the game in Scotland, not least the national team, we need at least a vaguely competitive Edinburgh side. They have spent a few bob investing in the squad and it is good enough and big enough to do a lot better - we had any number of guys who have been capped at international level playing on Friday including a couple of ex Lions! I cannot believe Everitt can turn the ship around, I have been pretty vocal that he isnt the coach for us for some time and I am sorry to prove I have been proven right, so better to let go and let an interim coach try their hand.

I am one of the longest standing Everitt critics so I fully agree with the above.

[Kawazaki]

Chris Foy on Scottish rugby...

Scotland will bring the Calcutta Cup to Twickenham on Saturday and, after holding it for four years, they won’t want to let it go because, let’s face it, they aren’t in danger of winning anything else.
Harsh, but true. Their meek capitulation against Ireland in the last round of the Six Nations provided an annual reminder that endless optimism north of the border has no foundation.
All the hype and hope lies on a thin layer of sand. There was a familiar sinking feeling at Murrayfield as the Irish bullied their out-classed opponents to claim a 32-18 win which could have been far more emphatic.
Now comes the fixture which acts as such a focal point for Scottish rugby. They have become used to beating England and that being the peak of their achievements.
Raising themselves to face the ‘auld enemy’ is a familiar routine. Under Gregor Townsend, Scotland have won four in a row against their despised southern neighbours and have five wins and a draw from the last seven encounters.
It is a small feast amid a wider famine, and is founded on a motivational imbalance. There is no escaping the fact that the oldest fixture in international rugby matters more to one side than the other. While England players will be hell-bent on revenge this year, the normal pattern is that they can’t match the fired-up intensity coming at them, founded on historical antipathy.

Their 32-18 defeat by Ireland on Sunday reminds us that their optimism has little foundation
Speaking anonymously, some of those who have worn the red rose in this fixture present a telling view of what it has meant. ‘It was never seen as a big game because we always won, until now,’ said one. ‘We had to be seen to say it was a rivalry, but it wasn’t.
‘We always face the best of Scotland because the fixture means more to them. For us, it’s always been just another game, which is what has cost us in the past four games.
'Emotionally, we struggle to get up as much as they do. It’s the one fixture they turn up for and play above themselves – then they can never back it up.’
The clue is in the anthem. Flower of Scotland is all about fighting off the English. And the point about backing it up is a valid one. Every year, there is a Scottish fanfare and a conviction that their ‘golden generation’ can land a prize at last. But, other than the Calcutta Cup, the shelves in the trophy cabinet remain resolutely bare.
In case of outrage, here are some stark facts. England have won seven titles in the Six Nations era. France, Ireland and Wales have all won six. Scotland have won none. Their last Grand Slam was back in 1990, when the game was still amateur. That is also the last time they clinched a Triple Crown.
In 25 years since Italy joined the European showpiece, Scottish finishing positions have been third – five times, fourth – eight times, fifth – eight times and sixth – four times.
This mid-to-lower-table existence is comfortable and safe, in a ringfenced tournament. Scotland are a foundation union, entrenched in the post-colonial establishment. But they are not capable of challenging the Test rugby hierarchy. Playing talent has to be cobbled together from all parts.
Their recent record against England has been based in large part on a large South African, who is now Scotland’s record try-scorer – Duhan van der Merwe. There have been other project players from South Africa, not to mention a captain and No 8 from Australia. Many countries, including England, use imports, but the Scots have had to oversee a mass migration to reinforce their stocks.

There seems to be a ceiling, which Scotland have reached. Townsend had a fine playing career and is a smart, accomplished coach, as well as a passionate patriot, but even he hasn’t been able to lift his country above third place. They have never won more than three out of five games. Maybe that will happen this year. Maybe…
For England, this rivalry is different to the ones they have with the other Celtic nations, because the Irish and Welsh are hell-bent on lowering their colours, but only as part of grander objectives. They have pedigree.
Consider the bigger picture and Scotland’s place in the untouchable elite is a damning indictment of rugby’s narrow reach. They always have a seat at the top table, despite not doing much to warrant it, while the likes of Georgia and Spain, seeking to harness promising growth, stay stuck on the outside, looking in.
These days, those striving for ‘Tier 1’ status are vetted to assess the benefits they would bring, but Scotland wouldn’t pass any such box-ticking exercise. It is a small country where rugby is a minority sport, with a modest talent pool and limited commercial clout.
Each other country in the Six Nations has a useful dimension. England and France have big-market benefits in the scramble for precious revenue and a fair share of titles and trophies.
Wales have had – at least until recently – national passion for the sport and plenty of success too. Ireland are riding high amid an oval-ball boom.
Italy have struggled, but they are a symbol of vital expansion and have so much latent potential if results improve. Scotland? Not a clue, sorry.
Murrayfield always provides a fervent atmosphere, but rugby has such a limited footprint beyond its walls; really just Edinburgh public schools and borders heartlands.
Duhan van der Merwe has been a pivotal player in their success against England recently

There is always home-grown talent to keep the flame flickering. Finn Russell is a box-office star, flying the flag in the Premiership, after illuminating France’s Top 14. Blair Kinghorn is at home amid exalted surroundings at Toulouse. Huw Jones is another class act.
But Scotland have no pro-era titles and only two pro clubs, although Glasgow are the reigning URC champions and have become a force. The country faces a constant battle to assemble competitive squads using every possible outside production line and slight allegiance to stay afloat. At least their Under 20s have won back a place at the junior World Cup this year, after being relegated in 2019.
On Saturday, Scotland will seek to extend their period of dominance over England. A fifth successive win would be their record sequence, if it were to happen. But even if they enjoy another one-day feast, the wider famine shows no sign of ending.

That is brutal.

[I like neeps]

Unlike the Daily Mail to publish absolutel sh*te.

We've won the calcutta cup the last four years, which is more than England have achieved... So maybe they should care a wee bit more?