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Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
BBC ALBA to deliver free-to-air coverage of top domestic rugby competitions
Fourteen Arnold Clark Premierships matches, including both men's and women's finals, will be televised live this season. BBC ALBA will again deliver live and free-to-air coverage of the top domestic rugby competitions in Scotland, with 12 league matches televised throughout the season. These matches will also be available live and on-demand via BBC iPlayer and for the first time on the BBC ALBA YouTube channel, and a dedicated BBC rugby page, with the games available worldwide. Scottish Rugby's YouTube channel will pick up a further two Arnold Clark Men's Premiership league matches in the first half of the season. Two Arnold Clark Women's Premiership league matches will be broadcast live by BBC ALBA, with a further three matches, including the final, set for the screen after the league splits into the top four and bottom four. Highlights will be available on Scottish Rugby's YouTube channel and social media platforms. Scottish Rugby's partnership with BBC ALBA supports the growth of the domestic game, with broadcast numbers increasing across the season and increased performance on international fixtures. The opening weekend of live televised games sees two highflyers in the previous women's campaign, with Sarah Beaney Cup winners Watsonian FC hosting reigning league champions Corstorphine Cougars on Friday 29 August (kick-off 7.35pm). That's backed up a day later, on Scottish Rugby channels, when one and two on the 2024/25 season ladder, Ayr and Heriot's meet at Goldenacre in Edinburgh for a round two fixture in the Arnold Clark Men's Premiership (kick-off 4.45pm). BBC ALBA Commissioning Editor, Fiona MacKenzie said: 'We're delighted to continue bringing the Arnold Clark Premierships to BBC ALBA through this renewed agreement with Scottish Rugby. 'Bringing both men's and women's rugby to as wide an audience as possible reflects our commitment to showcasing top-level sport and supporting the growth of the game at all levels.' Scottish Rugby Director of Rugby Development, Gav Scott said: 'I'm thrilled about the way the team has gone about selecting the fixtures alongside BBC ALBA. I think we've ended up with a really fair spread across the board. 'Partnerships like this one with BBC ALBA are critical to exposing new audiences to grassroots rugby and to give a platform to our top performing community rugby players.' The below matches have been confirmed in principle but are subject to change. Confirmed broadcast fixtures: Friday 29 August, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Watsonians v Corstorphine , Arnold Clark Women's Premiership , Arnold Clark Women's Premiership Saturday 30 August, 4.45pm KO live on Scottish Rugby YouTube, Heriot's v Ayr , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Friday 5 September, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Hillhead Jordanhill v Biggar , Arnold Clark Women's Premiership , Arnold Clark Women's Premiership Saturday 20 September, 5.15pm KO live on Scottish Rugby YouTube, GHA v Glasgow Hawks , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Friday 10 October, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Hawick v Currie , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Friday 24 October, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Arnold Clark Women's Premiership Split Fixture (TBC) Friday 14 November, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Arnold Clark Women's Premiership Split Fixture (TBC) Friday 28 November, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Watsonians v Selkirk , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Saturday 13 December, 4.10pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Arnold Clark Women's Premiership Final Friday 16 January 2026, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Melrose v Selkirk , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Friday 6 February 2026, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Currie v Kelso , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Friday 27 February 2026, 7.35pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Play-Off Semi-Final 1 , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Saturday 28 February 2026, 4.45pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Play-Off Semi-Final 2 , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership , Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Saturday 21 March 2026, 4.10pm KO live on BBC ALBA, Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Final Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
‘Sonians build up to milestone with historic kit display
Watsonians have stepped up preparations for their 150th year with a display of kit worn through the years. The display took place in the club's Myreside pavilion and saw former players and current members come together to adorn and admire variations of the famous maroon and white kit worn by an organisation officially known as the 'Watsonian Football Club.' Every kit tells a story and sparks memories both on and off the pitch, and the opportunity was created for newer members to hear about the 'Sonians' that came before them, and for some of the club's greats to be remembered for their contributions. From recent triumphs like the Sarah Beaney Cup victories to the rich history of rugby legends who proudly wore the Watsonians crest, the significance of The Watsonian Football Club was brought to life through a remarkable collection of classic jerseys, many of which were rediscovered after years tucked away in attics and drawers. These kits serve as powerful reminders of the club's lasting impact on generations of players and supporters over the past 150 years. Marking its 150th year, The Watsonian Football Club is committed to reigniting and energising the community that has shaped its storied journey. A series of ongoing celebratory events and initiatives will complement the club's on-field achievements, including four successful senior teams and a thriving youth section. With a framed shirt by his side former club captain, John Macdonald, reflected on his time playing Watsonian rugby. He said: 'This is all very nostalgic. I remember that at my peak, we were playing Melrose with a crowd of 7,500 watching. My sons still think I am winding them up when I bring it up, but they've seen some of the old footage. It was a different day, a different game, and obviously things move on, but it was a really golden period to be a part of the club.' The game of rugby and the landscape of the sport in Scotland continue to be ever-changing, but The Watsonian Football Club has been able to enjoy its long history by adapting and growing with the game. Notable ways that the club has done so in recent times include the introduction of a Watsonian Women's team in the late '90s and success being enjoyed at the semi-professional level with the introduction of the now disbanded Super Series. Kath Vass, a stalwart of Watsonian women's rugby for 17 years, added: 'When we won the top league in Scottish women's rugby it was something truly special. Being able to bring the trophy to Myreside is something that I will never forget. When I joined what was known as Watsonian Ladies in the year 2000, it was perfect. Having previously played elsewhere but living a stone's throw from Myreside, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately wowed by the community and professionalism of the club.' Departing club captain and Super Series winner Neil Irvine-Hess reflected: 'Having played for Watsonians as a teen, I returned to the club in 2022 after a stint in the Borders. It was an honour to get asked to captain the Super Series team two years ago, and it's something that I have taken seriously ever since. It is special and helps you appreciate the long history of the club. When I finish playing, I will look back with pride on my name being amongst so many great Watsonians players. The community at Watsonians is brilliant, from being dragged to the ground by the minis at a family day to winning the Super Series Championship, it is special to be part of The Watsonian Football Club's history.' The club's celebrated roster boasts over seventy Scottish internationalists, including the likes of Scott and Gavin Hastings. Recent achievements include the women's team's televised victories, and evolution into Watsonians Women in 2019, reflecting a progressive stride towards inclusivity. Noteworthy is the club's multicultural ethos, with players hailing from over 15 countries, fostering a spirit of unity. Watsonian Football Club embodies tradition, resilience, and inclusivity, inspiring generations on and off the field. The club's ethos extends beyond the field, with a diverse player base representing over 15 countries, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie. Furthermore, the decision to retire the number eight shirt in honour of the late former member Keri Holdsworth exemplifies Watsonians' commitment to remembrance and respect. Centrepiece of the 150th anniversary will be a gala dinner in November. Kath Vass Neil Irvine-Hess John Macdonald Like this: Like Related
