Latest news with #Watsonians
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Stirling County women prepare for season bow in bid to regain Premiership crown
The women's side head to the capital for a first game of the new season against well-tipped Watsonians. It's the start of a busy period in the rugby calendar as leagues get underway across the country ... with Stirling County's women first to take to the pitch for their Premiership opener tomorrow. The County women will be hoping to go one better this time around after being pipped in the final of last season's competition in a tight contest against Corstorphine Cougars. They kick off tomorrow with a difficult opening trip to Myreside, facing up to last season's third-placed outfit in Watsonians before opening their home matches against Garioch on August 31. A clash with defending champions Corstorphine then looms a week later in the capital. Head coach Mark Ainsworth has been busy with his side during a punishing pre-season, which culminated with a final intra-squad match at Bridgehaugh after original opponents Heriot's were forced to pull out of the match. Despite that blow, Ainsworth insists his side got some strong preparation in the bag for the Watsonians test on opening day. He told the club's social media channel: 'It was a tough game in tough conditions but it was really pleasing to see the quality on show out there. 'I was pleased as well with the physicality and some of the things we've been working on popped up and seem to be working so that's a real positive for us. 'Pre-season started a long time ago, we did a fitness block back in June and then we went into the pitch work from July so it's coming nicely in terms of the start of the season. 'I've had great input from [director of rugby] Ted Pollock in terms of the forwards and the backs are looking sharp this year. 'It's the first game of the season away from home against one of the best teams in the league so it's going to be tough for us, you're never totally sure how the team is looking until you play the first competitive game. 'But I'm hopeful for it with what we've shown so far and we're all looking forward to it.' The women's first XV will be led by skipper Jodie Murdoch, who is celebrating her 11th year at County and will be a key player in directing traffic from the scrum-half spot. She added: 'We're really excited to get the season underway. 'There's a great energy around the squad, with a strong leadership group in place and some exciting new faces joining us this year. 'Everyone's been working hard in pre-season and we're looking forward to building momentum, challenging ourselves and seeing what we can achieve together.' Murdoch is joined by four vice-captains in the squad, all of whom have boasted international experience with Scotland's youth sides in recent seasons. Back-rower Sam Taganekurukuru, second-rower player Holland Bogan and sisters Ceitidh and Ciorstaidh Ainsworth - who play at fly-half and centre respectively - round out the County group.
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
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
What channel is Melrose Sevens on? How to watch famous Borders tournament at home of sevens
New format favours local clubs Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Melrose Sevens returns in a new calendar slot this weekend with hopes high of a home triumph. The Melrose Sevens has moved to a new slot and tweaked the format to favour local clubs. | SNS Group / SRU The draw has been reshaped to help the Borders clubs after organisers acknowledged that the strength of the guest teams in recent years had become overpowering. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad All seven Borders sides, along with Watsonians, have been given first-round byes in a reversal of the event's customary running order, increasing the chances of a local winner. The Melrose Sevens has moved to a new slot and tweaked the format to favour local clubs. | SNS Group / SRU Watsonians, in 2018, were the last Scottish club side to win the Melrose Sevens and you have to go back to 2011 for the last time the hosts lifted the coveted 1883 Centenary Cup. There is also a new broadcaster this year, with the BBC no longer showing the tournament. The 2025 Howden Melrose Sevens Traditionally held on the second Saturday in April, the tournament has been moved to Saturday, May 24. Organisers were concerned the April date would clash with Premiership fixtures and took the decision to push the Melrose Sevens back to this May bank holiday weekend. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The men's tournament features 24 teams and retains its traditional knockout format with the first tie - between London Scottish and Edinburgh Accies - kicking off at 11am. There are four teams taking part in the women's tournament which will be played on a round robin basis. It begins at 1.25pm, with Loughborough University taking on Shogun Rugby which is followed by Harlequins v Hearts+Balls MB. The men's final will take place at 7.45pm, with the women's final at 7.20pm. Byes for the Borders clubs Borders clubs Melrose, Hawick, Kelso, Selkirk, Peebles, Jed-Forest and Gala all enter the men's tournament at the second-round stage, along with Watsonians, in an attempt to level the playing field. 'We have responded to concerns about semi-pro or specialised sevens guest teams being too powerful with a focus on inviting recognised club strength teams, with the ambition that the Scottish rugby public will continue to enjoy the highest standard of sevens at Melrose, the birthplace of the sevens game,' said Phil Morris, the tournament director. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The second round is scheduled to start at 2pm with Melrose taking on the winners of the London Scottish v Edinburgh Accies tie. How to watch the Melrose Sevens If you can't make it to the Greenyards, the latter stages of the tournament will be shown live on TV and there is a new broadcaster on board. Premier Sports are showing the Melrose Sevens for the first time and will begin their live coverage at 5.30pm, immediately after the Champions Cup final between Northampton Saints and Bordeaux-Begles. Premier Sports will broadcast the latter stages of the Melrose Sevens. | SNS Group The men's quarter-finals through to the final, as well as the concluding stages of the women's competition, will be shown live on Premier Sports 1. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The earlier action will be available to watch live on the Melrose Sevens YouTube channel from the first tie at 11am. Guest teams can still pack a punch While the draw is stacked in favour of the home teams this year, the guest sides should still have enough firepower to go deep at Melrose. Shogun Rugby, the invitational side that won both the men's and women's tournaments last season, are back to defend both titles. Shogun Rugby won the Melrose Sevens last year. | Bryan Robertson Shogun men will be captained by Ross McKnight fresh from his recent stint with Edinburgh Rugby which saw him score a hat-trick in a friendly against Saracens at Hive Stadium. Former Glasgow Warriors favourite Niko Matawalu is in the Breadalbane Storm squad and Monaco Impi's have Scotland Sevens international Freddie Owlsey, who will play for Chinnor in the English Championship next season.
Scotsman
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Northampton-bound Glasgow Warriors academy player is Ayr hero as they clinch silverware
Watsonians are defeated in Premiership play-off final Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Amena Caqusau bagged a hat-trick of tries as Ayr stormed to the Premiership title with a 41-12 win over Watsonians in the play-off final at Millbrae. The Ayr squad receive a guard of honour from Watsonians after beating the Edinburgh team in the Arnold Clark Premiership final at Millbrae. | SNS Group / SRU The hosts topped the regular season standings and have been the standout side throughout 2024-25 so they thoroughly deserve this. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ayr got off to a flying start when they opened the scoring in just the fourth minute. The Ayr squad receive a guard of honour from Watsonians after beating the Edinburgh team in the Arnold Clark Premiership final at Millbrae. | SNS Group / SRU Winger Luca Bardelli scored a try when he showed great pace to run in from his own half and scrum-half Fergus Johnston converted to make it 7-0. Then their other winger Caqusau, the Glasgow Warriors academy player, showed why Northampton Saints have signed him for next season with two well taken tries. They came in the seventh and the 10th minutes and, with Johnston converting both, it was 21-0 and Watsonians were shellshocked. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After a quieter spell, back-rower Lewis McNamara and second-row Rory Jackson then created space and Bardelli notched his second try of the game on the half hour mark. It was not converted, but a penalty by Johnston made it 29-0 on the stroke of half-time and Ayr were in total control. Bardelli then set up Caqusau for his third try in the 44th minute and when replacement Tom Lanni scored a converted try eight minutes later it was 41-0. Watsonians had not fired a shot, but, with Ayr full-back Robbie Orr in the sin bin, their co-captain Jason Baggott scored a converted try and then winger Lomond Macpherson went over.
Scotsman
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Northampton-bound Glasgow Warriors academy is Ayr hero as they clinch silverware
Watsonians are defeated in Premiership play-off final Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Amena Caqusau bagged a hat-trick of tries as Ayr stormed to the Premiership title with a 41-12 win over Watsonians in the play-off final at Millbrae. The Ayr squad receive a guard of honour from Watsonians after beating the Edinburgh team in the Arnold Clark Premiership final at Millbrae. | SNS Group / SRU The hosts topped the regular season standings and have been the standout side throughout 2024-25 so they thoroughly deserve this. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ayr got off to a flying start when they opened the scoring in just the fourth minute. The Ayr squad receive a guard of honour from Watsonians after beating the Edinburgh team in the Arnold Clark Premiership final at Millbrae. | SNS Group / SRU Winger Luca Bardelli scored a try when he showed great pace to run in from his own half and scrum-half Fergus Johnston converted to make it 7-0. Then their other winger Caqusau, the Glasgow Warriors academy player, showed why Northampton Saints have signed him for next season with two well taken tries. They came in the seventh and the 10th minutes and, with Johnston converting both, it was 21-0 and Watsonians were shellshocked. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After a quieter spell, back-rower Lewis McNamara and second-row Rory Jackson then created space and Bardelli notched his second try of the game on the half hour mark. It was not converted, but a penalty by Johnston made it 29-0 on the stroke of half-time and Ayr were in total control. Bardelli then set up Caqusau for his third try in the 44th minute and when replacement Tom Lanni scored a converted try eight minutes later it was 41-0. Watsonians had not fired a shot, but, with Ayr full-back Robbie Orr in the sin bin, their co-captain Jason Baggott scored a converted try and then winger Lomond Macpherson went over.
