Courier Rugby

Ulster 22 Edinburgh 19: Bradley's men must build on progress

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:16:00 +0100

Dublin on Saturday might look like just another of those galling, glorious defeats for Scottish rugby, but it should be vanguard of something far more than that.

Ulster v Edinburgh: Denton demands discipline

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:24:00 +0100

Discipline is the key ingredient for Edinburgh in Saturday's Heineken Cup semi-final in Dublin, believes young star David Denton.

Mike Blair moving on after 10 years with Edinburgh Rugby

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:42:00 +0100

Former captain Mike Blair will leave Edinburgh Rugby at the end of this season, with France the likely destination for the current Scotland scrum-half.

Dundee HSFP 12 Stirling County 22: Rankin says High 'can hold their heads high' after exciting season

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:50:00 +0100

Edinburgh 19 Toulouse 14: 38,000 witness a watershed moment for Scottish club rugby

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:21:00 +0100

It's taken 17 years of mismanagement and enduring one of the most depressing periods in the national team's recent history, but professional rugby in Scotland may have reached its tipping point with Edinburgh's epic 19-14 Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over Toulouse.

Edinburgh Rugby's flying wing Tim Visser ready to forgo personal glory to beat Toulouse

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:39:00 +0100

He's hardly in a try drought by anyone else's standards, but Edinburgh wing Tim Visser doesn't mind not scoring if Edinburgh win Saturday's Heineken Cup quarter-final with Toulouse.

Edinburgh Rugby gearing up for Heineken Cup clash with Toulouse amid huge fan interest

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The supporter response to Edinburgh's first home Heineken Cup quarter-final this weekend can open the eyes of the public and players alike, believes coach Tom Smith.

Dundee HSFP 19 Gala 26: Coach Ian Rankin reflects on 'a horrible way to lose out'

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:09:00 +0100

For all that 2011-12 will be Dundee HSFP's most successful season in their 132-year history, whichever way next weekend's machinations for the league title work out the feeling at Mayfield on Saturday was one of crushing disappointment.

Andy Robinson and Scottish Rugby Union embroiled in a torrid affair

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:04:00 +0100

Once Andy Robinson had made the personal decision to press on as Scotland head coach, despite presiding over the worst season in recent Scottish rugby history, the die was cast.

Dundee HSFP v Gala: High preparing for biggest game — until the next one

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:09:10 +0100

The biggest and most important game in Dundee HSFP's recent history seems to be renewed with every passing week at the moment, and this weekend's RBS Cup semi-final clash with Gala continues the sequence.

Italy v Scotland: Jacobsen says it's payback time

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:35:00 +0000

Allan Jacobsen thinks Rome owes him at least one try, and is determined to prove that Scotland are a better team than results have shown in this RBS 6 Nations.

Ireland 32 Scotland 14: Jacobsen vows Italy will feel force of Scots' frustration

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:03:00 +0000

Allan Jacobsen described some of Scotland's play in defeat in Dublin as ''horrendous'' but predicts a bounce-back of epic proportions in the 6 Nations wooden spoon decider in Rome.

Ireland v Scotland: Sean Lamont well placed to stop Scots' losing run

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Sean Lamont has been ''multi-tasking'' according to Scotland head coach Andy Robinson but he's back where he feels he really belongs for the fourth RBS 6 Nations match against Ireland in Dublin.

Scotland 17 France 23: Robinson claims 'inspirational' Scots were let down by referee

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:14:00 +0000

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson railed against a ''crucial'' decision by referee Wayne Barnes which he believed cost Scotland a winning position in Sunday's loss to France at Murrayfield.

Scotland v France: Stuart Hogg learns why he can mix it with the best of them

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Anyone wondering why teenage full back Stuart Hogg is the hope to bring flair to Scotland's back play just has to look at the family genes his dad John's just discovered.

Scotland v France: Hawick teenager Stuart Hogg to start at Murrayfield

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:58:00 +0000

Stuart Hogg will be the first teenager to start for Scotland since fellow Hawick alumnus Jim Renwick 40 years ago, as Andy Robinson again shook up his lineup in search of a precious first win in the 2012 Six Nations.

Wales 27 Scotland 13: Andy Robinson convinced Scots are on the right road

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:24:52 +0000

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson fervently believes Scotland are on the way to playing winning rugby despite the loss to Wales.

Wales v Scotland: Ford confirms Scots want to go under cover

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:49:00 +0000

Insistent two years ago that their game be played "au naturel", Scotland have changed tack and are asking that the Millennium Stadium roof be closed for Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales.

6 Nations: Greig Laidlaw has to make his name in a team in turmoil

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:28:00 +0000

Dan Parks' international comeback ended abruptly after Greig Laidlaw's performance in Saturday's Calcutta Cup game was evidence enough for Scotland coach Andy Robinson.

'Determination, skill and competitive spirit' — Scotland colleagues line up to thank Dan Parks

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:31:00 +0000

Scotland colleagues have paid tribute to Dan Parks after the fly-half bowed to the inevitable and called time on his international career.

Scotland 6 England 13: Scots left facing the same old questions

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:43:00 +0000

Andy Robinson tried to take the heat off under-fire attack coach Gregor Townsend but the squad are under severe pressure to salvage their 6 Nations after another sickening failure in Saturday's Calcutta Cup game.

6 Nations: Max Evans pleased to be back in the comfort zone

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:07:00 +0000

His French adventure is still a work in progress, but Max Evans has found comfort in his return to the Scotland squad this week.

6 Nations: Ross Ford determined to be big hit as Scotland captain

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:09:00 +0000

They'll go down in Calcutta Cup history as ''Jason's hits'' — the two tackles that inspired Scotland to victory over England in 2006 and 2008. Now Ross Ford wants to be that kind of inspiration to his team.

6 Nations: Robinson sticks with Parks

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:28:00 +0000

Dan Parks is the reliable fly-half option to get a foothold and Greig Laidlaw the replacement wildcard to secure the win when Scotland play England on Saturday.

Calcutta Cup start in prospect for rapidly improving David Denton

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:20:00 +0000

Highly-rated Edinburgh back-rower David Denton is in line for his first start for Scotland in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations opener against England.

Edinburgh hoping Heineken Cup tie will win support of Scotland's sports fans

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:58:00 +0000

Edinburgh chiefs will challenge Scottish rugby fans to become record-breakers by packing Murrayfield for the country's biggest ever non-international tussle.

Honoured, privileged and ready — Ross Ford claims Scotland captaincy

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Ross Ford is not Andy Robinson's first choice as Scotland captain, but he has full confidence in the hooker's credentials to lead his country throughout the RBS Six Nations Championship.

'Bring it on!' — Edinburgh happy to be facing the best in Heineken Cup

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:04:00 +0000

Try hero Lee Jones said the Edinburgh dressing room reaction to hearing four-time European champions Toulouse are their Heineken Cup quarter-final opponents was a cumulative ''Bring it on!''

Moray Low injury a blow to Scotland's Six Nations plans

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Andy Robinson's options for the Six Nations have taken a significant blow with Scotland prop Moray Low being ruled out for eight weeks with ligament damage.

Scotland reject Welsh claims after calling up Steve Shingler to Six Nations squad

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:19:00 +0000

Scotland and Wales have started a tug-of-war for London Irish's centre/fly-half Steve Shingler after the 20-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Andy Robinson's Six Nations squad.

Glasgow 17 Edinburgh 12: Warriors do enough to claim 1872 Cup

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Glasgow retained the 1872 Cup and stayed on course for the RaboDirect Pro 12 playoffs with a dogged win over Edinburgh in an error-strewn second leg at Firhill.

1872 Cup matches: Tim Visser might make the difference for Edinburgh

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:23:00 +0000

The Firhill pitch is tight for rugby, but Chris Paterson believes the margins between Glasgow and Edinburgh are tighter going into the second leg of the 1872 Cup this weekend.

Edinburgh 23 Glasgow 23: Advantage Warriors after Boxing Day thriller

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:38:00 +0000

Glasgow produced two gritty fightbacks to force a draw and gain the first-leg advantage from Edinburgh before a record crowd for the 1872 Cup at Murrayfield.

Edinburgh v Glasgow: Kellock keen to add style to substance

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:11:00 +0000

When Glasgow and Scotland captain Al Kellock stops himself when talking about his team's run, you just know there's much more to come from the Warriors heading into tonight's first leg of the 1872 Cup matches against Edinburgh.

A true Scotland great — a fond farewell to Chris Paterson

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:42:00 +0000

If Chris Paterson came across to those who don't know him as an honest, hardworking and thoroughly decent human being, then we who covered him for 12 years are probably to blame.

End of an era — Chris Paterson bows out of Scotland side

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:58:06 +0000

It was always going to crucial to Chris Paterson to determine himself when he would bow out of the Scotland shirt he wore 109 times, and he's happy that the best time is now.

Glasgow 20 Montpellier 15: Warriors' cup chances boosted

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Glasgow Warriors boosted their Heineken Cup qualification prospects with victory but may regret gifting Montpellier a pool three lifeline in an error-strewn contest at Firhill.

Andy Robinson credited with convincing Rory Lamont it was time to come home

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Andy Robinson ''planted the seed'' that got Rory Lamont away from his nightmare in Toulon and back to Glasgow to force his way into the Scotland side.

Andy Robinson taking the long-term view on Scotland's future

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:07:00 +0000

There will be no post-World Cup clearout of players or coaches for Scotland before the Six Nations but a long-term shake-up is brewing.

Glasgow 26 Bath 21: Richie Gray reminds Scottish rugby what it will be missing

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:43:00 +0000

Richie Gray crowned Scottish rugby's best-ever Heineken Cup weekend by snatching victory for Glasgow over Bath with an outrageous last-gasp try at Firhill on Sunday.

'I will always want to play for Scotland' — international retirement a wrench for Nathan Hines

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:37:00 +0000

Nathan Hines, the affable enforcer for Scotland in the second row for 11 years and 77 caps, has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Richie Gray's Sale Sharks move is a serious blow to Scottish rugby's reputation

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Scottish rugby may have already failed its most significant test of the season as Richie Gray announced his decision to join Sale Sharks next season.

Currie 37 Dundee HSFP 27: High's away-day problems continue

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:14:00 +0100

Building a winning mentality at home is easy — it's doing it on hostile territory that is the stuff of real champions.

Dundee HSFP aim for coveted cup place

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:53:00 +0100

Dundee High have put themselves into position to win a prized British and Irish Cup place but need the consistency away from Mayfield to confirm it.

Brechin's Pirates hope to clean up in AEG competition

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:35:00 +0100

An Angus rugby team have won new kits and will now compete for the chance to train with the Auld Enemy.

Title battle open after Dundee HSFP unseat Melrose

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:31:00 +0100

Their premier attacking weapon returned with a vengeance, but it was Dundee High's work without the ball that unseated champions and league leaders Melrose on Saturday.

Dundee HSFP 48 Edinburgh Accies 20: High respond to the challenge

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:18:00 +0100

If ''winning ugly'' is the positive buzzphrase in rugby at present then ''unacceptable'' is its negative relation.

Argentina 13 Scotland 12: Scots left to rue bad decisions once more

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:43:00 +0100

Chris Paterson has won so many games for Scotland in his 108-cap career that it's unnecessary to count them.

Dundee HSFP firsts come out fighting

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:11:00 +0100

Using the Gallic tactic of a no-holds-barred, firsts-versus-seconds scrap didn't result in many changes for Dundee HSFP this week.

Stirling County 28 Dundee HSFP 27: High reflect on more missed opportunities

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:52:00 +0100

There is no greater frustration for a coach to send his team out with a specific instruction yet have to reiterate it when they return.

Scotland 34 Romania 24: Danielli to the rescue for stuttering Scots

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 06:12:00 +0100

Captain Alastair Kellock says Scotland have to improve if they are to make a significant impression at the World Cup — after Romania gave them a real scare in their opening Pool B clash in Invercargill.

Dundee HSFP 36 Aberdeen 29: High's panicked performance tests the nerves

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:54:00 +0100

If Ian Rankin turns on his laptop any time soon, his Dundee HSFP team might want to be somewhere else.

Scheme converts criminal cash for rugby

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:11:00 +0100

More than half a million pounds of cash seized from criminals will be used to improve rugby facilities in Scotland.

Confidence high for start of club rugby season

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:13:00 +0100

Scottish club rugby starts its new season on Saturday with renewed credibility.

Scotland captaincy — but no guarantee of starting place — for Al Kellock

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:46:00 +0100

Scotland's Rugby World Cup captain Al Kellock will have to justify his place in the starting team like any other player.

Pace puts Richie Vernon on plane to New Zealand

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:38:00 +0100

Richie Vernon's pace proved enough to convince Scotland coach Andy Robinson to pick him for the Rugby World Cup squad.

Knee ligament injury means Nikki Walker misses Scotland squad for Rugby World Cup

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:19:00 +0100

Nikki Walker is the first casualty of Scotland's World Cup campaign.

Scotland 23 Italy 12: Win wraps up Rugby World Cup preparations

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:48:00 +0100

The public part of Scotland's Rugby World Cup preparation was completed in satisfactory fashion on Saturday.

Scotland's Chris Cusiter confident he can make up lost time

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:48:00 +0100

Chris Cusiter was Scotland's undisputed leader only 18 months ago, but the scrum-half was facing the Rugby World Cup axe until just last week.

Richie Vernon and Al Dickinson have an hour to book their place in Scotland's World Cup squad

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:28:00 +0100

Richie Vernon and Al Dickinson may have only an hour in the frenzy of Saturday's Murrayfield test match to make their best case to go to the Rugby World Cup.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson rings the changes for Italy

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:06:00 +0100

Andy Robinson's World Cup plans became clearer yesterday as he announced 14 changes in the Scotland line-up for Saturday's Test against Italy.

Joe Ansbro happy to sing when Scotland are winning

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:17:00 +0100

Joe Ansbro's reward for his debut try for Scotland was having to stand up and sing on the team bus back to headquarters, but the centre can hold a tune and his head high after lifting his team to a win over Ireland at Murrayfield.

Scotland 10 Ireland 6: Warm-up victory boosts Andy Robinson's men

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:46:00 +0100

You can't beat winning under any circumstances, even when the contest is perhaps as low in importance as you can go in international rugby, as Saturday's test between Scotland and Ireland was.

Ross Ford is driven by his World Cup ambitions

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 13:13:00 +0100

Ross Ford almost drove himself over the edge in his determination to keep his Scotland place, but the hooker will be back fully refreshed and in peak condition for the first World Cup warm-up match against Ireland at Murrayfield.

Team ethic is key for Scotland captain Rory Lawson

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:08:00 +0100

Scotland captain Rory Lawson is driving the team ethic even though the individual battle for places in the Rugby World Cup squad reaches a crucial point as the team switch from training to a full-blooded test match against Ireland.

Last chance saloon for Scotland's rugby players

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:15:00 +0100

The first hour of Saturday's EMC test match against Ireland could very well be the last-chance saloon for some of the Scotland Rugby World Cup squad to book their place for New Zealand, as head coach Andy Robinson has gone experimental with the first of his two warm-up outings.

It's make or break time for Johnny Beattie in Saturday's test against Ireland

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 11:08:00 +0100

Johnny Beattie could be facing the most crucial hour of his entire rugby career against Ireland in this Saturday's EMC Test, balancing the need to impress while withstanding "a huge pressure environment."

Scotland squad for Rugby World Cup is shaping up

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:51:00 +0100

As many as 25 seats on the Scotland plane to September's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand are already occupied in head coach Andy Robinson's mind as the pre-tournament Murrayfield training camp has revved up intensity this week.

Scottish Rugby chiefs deny schism at game's heart

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:31:00 +0100

Rumours of a power struggle for control of the direction of Scottish Rugby, with under-fire chief executive Gordon McKie at the centre, have heightened despite attempts from Murrayfield to play down a hastily-called meeting of the board that runs the game in Scotland.

Blow for Glasgow Warriors as Mark Bennett decides to move on

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:29:00 +0100

One of Scotland's most promising young rugby talents has been snatched up by a French top 14 club, raising further doubts about the cash-strapped Scottish professional teams' ability to compete at the top level.

Dundee HSFP retain coaching team and director

Fri, 06 May 2011 17:13:00 +0100

Dundee High School FP has retained its coaching team led by director of rugby Ian Rankin next season and will have a new captain in prop Neil Dymock.

Glasgow starlet Mark Bennett makes pro debut against Leinster

Fri, 06 May 2011 11:52:00 +0100

One of Scotland's most promising back prospects will not face legend Brian O'Driscoll as he prepares to make his professional debut for Glasgow Warriors in their final game of the season against Leinster in Dublin tonight.

Scrivener calls for huge Edinburgh effort in Italy

Thu, 05 May 2011 14:40:00 +0100

Edinburgh finish their Magners League season in Italy before embarking on a new era under new head coach Michael Bradley but outgoing chief Nick Scrivener has called for a huge effort to end on a high against Benetton Treviso.

Andy Robinson praises Michael Bradley's 'clear vision' for the future

Wed, 04 May 2011 07:49:00 +0100

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson praised Michael Bradley's "clear vision" for the future of Edinburgh Rugby as the former Ireland scrum-half and captain was confirmed the new head coach of the capital club at Murrayfield.

Edinburgh 27 Dragons 15: Edinburgh win but no bonus

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 08:10:00 +0100

Edinburgh won their final Magners League home game of the season and third in a row as record-smashing wing Tim Visser caused all sorts of problems for the visiting Dragons at a misty Murrayfield.

Scottish rugby teams aiming to finish on a high

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:40:00 +0100

Scotland's troubled pro teams reach the end of a difficult season with their final home Magners League games tonight but lare ooking to finish on a high and with renewed optimism for next term.

Club rugby relegation battle in full swing as Perthshire need a point to be safe

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:28:00 +0100

The relegation battle in premier three will go to the very end of this elongated season, but there is an opportunity for at least one of the Midlands clubs in danger to wriggle to safety.

McKenzie's exit a worry for Scottish Rugby youth development

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:47:00 +0100

Scottish Rugby chief executive Gordon McKie's claim that departures of established pro team players was essential to youth development has been undermined with the confirmation that one of those youngsters is quitting the domestic game for the English Premiership.

Kirkcaldy RFC hope to escape relegation

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:21:00 +0100

What should have been the last day of the club league season will turn out to be exciting after all, as Kirkcaldy attempt an escape from relegation to match any from Alcatraz or Colditz.

Scottish Rugby in good health — Gordon McKie

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:45:00 +0100

Under-fire Scottish Rugby chief executive Gordon McKie accepted responsibility for falling crowds and poor results this season but insisted that the game in Scotland was still in healthy shape despite the "unacceptable" performances of both the national and pro teams.

Mike Blair is aiming to reclaim Scotland scrum-half role

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:35:00 +0100

Mike Blair accepts the Scotland scrum-half opening might be a revolving door right the way through the Rugby World Cup, but plans to show in the remainder of the Magners League season that he is once again the number one choice for the key role.

Scotland stars mothballed for Edinburgh and Glasgow Magners League games

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:47:00 +0100

Five key players in Scotland's plans for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September have been shut down for the season by order of national head coach Andy Robinson and will not play in any of the remaining four Magners League games for Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Edinburgh head coach Scrivener is off down under

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:32:00 +0100

Edinburgh's interim head coach Nick Scrivener has pulled out of the race to be the full-time successor to Rob Moffat, and will instead return to his native Australia at the end of the season.

A look into the future of Edinburgh and Glasgow rugby

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:15:00 +0100

The pessimistic nature of everything in Scottish rugby makes it difficult to gauge where the two professional teams are as the slog through a difficult 2010-11 season reaches the end.

Glasgow Warriors 19 Ulster 22: Pienaar's last-gasp kick punishes Warriors

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 07:17:00 +0000

Ulster's South African import Ruan Pienaar scored all his side's points, including a last-kick penalty to win the game, as an understrength Glasgow came up just short in their battle to move up the Magners League at Firhill last night.

Scotland can boss New Zealand World Cup pool — Robinson

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:01:00 +0000

Scotland can not only reach the last eight in the World Cup in New Zealand but can win a pool that includes England and Argentina, head coach Andy Robinson believes.

Scotland 21 Italy 8: Scotland start firing too late to impress

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Scotland made their 2011 RBS Six Nations look partly respectable and avoided the wooden spoon with a professional victory over Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday.

'Recharged' Scotland ready for wooden spoon clash against Italy

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 08:31:00 +0000

Scotland have been forced into one change for today's Six Nations wooden spoon decider against Italy and there may well be another before referee Steve Walsh signals the start.

Scotland U-20 7 Italy U-20 9: Scots miss out in scrappy affair

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 07:20:00 +0000

The first wooden spoon decider of the final 6 Nations weekend went the way of the Italians at Bridgehaugh as five missed penalty kicks meant Scotland Under-20 narrowly lost out in a scrappy contest.

Cup finals loom out of mist

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Out of the mist and freezing fog of winter and cup finals day is only a month away — and while we have reached the quarter-final stage of most of the events, the draws are chock full of eithers/ors.

Ruaridh Jackson vows to kick on for Scotland

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:41:00 +0000

Ruaridh Jackson was unquestionably chuffed the great Jonny Wilkinson had been singing his praises, but the young Scotland fly-half's admiration for an "absolute legend" only goes so far.

Cross gets the nod for Scotland's Six Nations decider with Italy

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:26:00 +0000

Geoff Cross' last start as a Scotland player ended ignominiously with him out cold on a stretcher and being shown the yellow card, but the Edinburgh prop has had an attack of realism to play only to his acknowledged strengths against Italy in the Six Nations wooden-spoon decider at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Steadman issues rallying call to Scotland rugby crowd

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:40:00 +0000

Scotland assistant coach Graham Steadman has challenged the Murrayfield crowd to inspire their team to complete the 2011 RBS 6 Nations Championship with a win over Italy, stressing how much the crowd's emotion affects the players on the pitch.

Scotland look to Italy's arrival after bitter Six Nations defeat

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 07:37:00 +0000

Scotland will not get many better chances to break their long drought at Twickenham than Sunday's agonising Calcutta Cup loss, but Chris Paterson believes that it set a marker showing that there is nothing between the teams for their next crucial meeting in September.

England 22 Scotland 16: Battling Scots are left to bask in glorious failure

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:23:00 +0000

Scotland's litany of failure at Twickenham will be into a fourth decade by the time they come back, but rarely in 28 years of fruitless visits to south-west London have they given a performance of more battling commitment than they did in going down narrowly and controversially in the spring sunshine on Sunday.

Scotland head to Twickenham to face a resurgent England

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:33:00 +0000

Stopping the longest streak of failure in European rugby against a team almost rampant with self-confidence is the task facing a Scotland squad holding on to the last strands of confidence in a Six Nations that promised much but delivered the same old story.

Ross Ford determined to stay cool for Calcutta Cup challenge

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:03:00 +0000

Ross Ford is staying in Scotland for the next two years and aims to become a leader with both Edinburgh and the national team in that time — but he plans to stay a slow burning influence rather than a fiery character on the pitch, even in the heart of Sunday's Calcutta Cup clash with England.

New-look Scotland for Calcutta Cup challenge at Twickenham

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:47:00 +0000

Scotland will have their fourth different midfield partnership in as many games, another switch of scrum-halves and a further rejig of the back row as head coach Andy Robinson battles to come up with a combination to get his side back to winning ways in Sunday's Calcutta Cup match against England at Twickenham.

Defence coach hints Ruaridh Jackson will get another chance at Twickenham

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Scotland defence coach Graeme Steadman gave the clearest hint yet that Ruaridh Jackson will continue in the play-making role against England in the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham on Sunday by underlining the importance that the 23-year-old "gets another chance."

Edinburgh 11 Cardiff Blues 16: Edinburgh get the blues

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 07:45:00 +0000

Edinburgh plunged to their seventh successive defeat — tying the club's record low — and their fourth to the Cardiff Blues this season as the Welsh side won with something to spare in their Magners League clash at an echoing Murrayfield on Friday night.

Scotland's rugby clubs call for league reconstruction

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Significant reconstruction of Scotland's club rugby leagues is back on the agenda with at least three clubs-two from the Caledonia region-known to have warned the Scottish Rugby Union that the crippling travel costs from the present structure are close to putting them out of business.

Scotland 18 Ireland 21: Scots' comeback just not enough

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:19:00 +0000

Scotland came within inches of carrying off an outrageous comeback victory against Ireland in Sunday's RBS Six Nations clash — but the true gap between the teams was far more conclusive than the narrow 21-18 scoreline at Murrayfield.

Ruaridh Jackson's chance to claim Scotland number 10 shirt

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 07:11:00 +0000

Any man wearing the number 10 shirt for Scotland in the last decade has often been viewed with something between scepticism and plain hostility by the fans, and the search for someone to grasp the mantle of John Rutherford, Craig Chalmers and Gregor Townsend reaches a new level in tomorrow's RBS Six Nations international against Ireland.

Dogfight for late Premier A honours

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Dundee HSFP's chance of a top three place just about ended when their depleted side lost to champions Currie last week, making the visit of Hawick this week largely about pride.

Al Kellock looks to raise Scotland's game as well as lift the crowd

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:12:00 +0000

Scotland captain Al Kellock admits he has been lucky to escape the axe that fell on the Scotland team after the loss to Wales two weeks ago — and is pledging to get the Murrayfield crowd on their feet against Ireland in the third match of the RBS Six Nations on Sunday.

Andy Robinson decides it's time to experiment

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Scotland have effectively written off the 2011 RBS Six Nations only two games in and are aiming at experimentation for the future.

Scrivener demands Edinburgh stamp out the errors

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Edinburgh's sorry away record has continued despite the change in head coach but new man Nick Scrivener sees light at the end of the tunnel as the capital club face their third road trip in just 12 days.

Analyst's behind-the-scenes role helping Scotland root out mistakes

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:43:00 +0000

Gavin Scott never got on the pitch for Scotland in his outstanding career — although he twice flew over 10,000 miles to sit on the international bench — but the former Harris and Dundee HSFP hooker is now central to Scotland's planning for the remainder of the RBS 6 Nations.

Injuries inflict chaos on Scotland's preparations for Ireland match

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Scotland's back division for Saturday's crucial RBS Six Nations meeting with Ireland has been thrown into chaos.

Crucial weekend for Kirkcaldy rugby

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:01:00 +0000

Kirkcaldy's status in the top two divisions of Premier rugby is at stake in the crunch relegation battle at Beveridge Park with Kelso this weekend.

Furious Lamont blasts woeful Scotland

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:52:00 +0000

A "raging" Sean Lamont called for a "closed-doors finger-pointing" post-mortem to Scotland's Six Nations loss to Wales on Saturday, with a demand of "how much do you want it?" for every player in the squad.

Fragile Scotland given a Six Nations lesson by Wales

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:01:00 +0000

An apology — if any impression might have been given that Scotland in 2011 might possibly be a more resilient team, imbued with self-belief and unshakeable sense of purpose, then Saturday's meek capitulation to Wales at Murrayfield proved that was wholly misleading.

Gray doubtful as Scots strive for right balance against Wales

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 07:49:00 +0000

Scotland will not revert to a limited game to try to crush Wales at Murrayfield in the second match of the RBS 6 Nations, but seek the "balance" demanded by head coach Andy Robinson, even potentially without new star Richie Gray.

Rising star Richie Gray motivated by Jeremy Guscott criticism

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Jeremy Guscott's description of young Scotland lock Richie Gray last week as "slow and cumbersome" and "Bambi on ice" did not go unnoticed in the Scotland camp or by the 21-year-old rising star of Scottish rugby.

Max Evans thinks of brother Thom ahead of Murrayfield Six Nations clash with Wales

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:12:00 +0000

Max Evans doesn't have the same feelings as his team-mates about last year's extraordinary match between Scotland and Wales in Cardiff, because his only concern was the condition of his brother Thom.

Andy Robinson pledges future to Scottish rugby

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:40:00 +0000

Scotland are unchanged for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales — but the real sense of stability emanating from Murrayfield on Wednesday was due to the news that head coach Andy Robinson has pledged himself to the Scottish game until 2015.

Ross Ford takes the blame for Scotland's lineout overthrows against Les Bleus

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:15:00 +0000

Scotland hooker Ross Ford thinks the Stade de France scrummage struggles were a collective issue, but the British Lion is taking the rap for any lineout malfunctions.

Sean Lamont thinks Scotland can survive in Six Nations by recalling defeat

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:45:00 +0000

Sean Lamont thinks a battle for RBS 6 Nations survival will make for a compelling encounter between Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield, but the memory of a year ago will prove extra incentive for him and his team-mates.

Three tries in defeat prove the potential of Scotland's plan B

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:13:00 +0000

Andy Robinson likened Scotland's 34-21 loss to France in their opening RBS Six Nations match of the 2011 season on Saturday to the heartbreaking defeat in Cardiff last year, but there's another — and on the face of it equally unlikely — comparison with a recent game to be made.

Scots feel a mix of frustration and optimism after Paris defeat

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Scotland's two least experienced players came through the cauldron of their first game in Paris with flying colours and much acclaim, but Richie Gray and Joe Ansbro will willingly swap the plaudits for more wins rather than Saturday's Stade de France disappointment.

Robinson points to Scotland work ethic ahead of Six Nations clash

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 07:18:00 +0000

The pyrotechnics of 19 minutes of free-running rugby brought Scotland's last triumph in Paris in 1999. But if the drought in the Stade de France is to end today then it's only likely to be achieved by Andy Robinson's preferred route-one point, at least, better than the opposition.

Dan Parks excited at return to Stade de France

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:23:00 +0000

The Stade de France is Dan Park's favourite stadium to play in, but he wants to leave the vast stadium in the north of Paris with a first victory in his fourth match there when Scotland open their RBS Six Nations campaign against France on Saturday.

Peter Wright giving Scotland Under-20s a history lesson

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:39:00 +0000

Scotland Under-20 rugby head coach Peter Wright is taking his young charges to a scene of Scottish heroism to inspire the team close to where they will kick off their Six Nations campaign in France on Friday night.

Call for Scotland A to maintain intensity against Italy

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:29:00 +0000

Nick Scrivener has the chance to complete his first season as Scotland A coach with a 100% record if the second string can defeat Italy A at Netherdale on Friday night.

Scotland have a Six Nations mountain to climb as Stade de France beckons

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 06:43:00 +0000

John Barclay's preparation for the RBS Six Nations has been climbing mountains instead of playing rugby, but nothing he has attempted matches the assault facing Scotland as they take on France in the Stade de France this weekend.

De Luca gets Six Nations nod but Beattie will miss out on Paris

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:21:00 +0000

Johnnie Beattie isn't deemed ready for Paris this weekend but Nick De Luca has been picked for Scotland despite the players having similarly long injury absences ahead of the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against France.

Scotland Women's rugby coach Karen Findlay names team to face France in RBS 6 Nations

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:09:00 +0000

New Scotland women's coach Karen Findlay has named a number of new caps in the team to take on France in their RBS 6 Nations opener in Viry-Chatillon, near Paris, with Dundee University student Annabel Sergeant named on the bench.

Edinburgh Rugby sack head coach Rob Moffat

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:17:00 +0000

Edinburgh Rugby head coach Rob Moffat has been fired, with the club having won only two of their last eight games and struggling to reach the Magners League play-offs.

France clash looks too soon for Scotland's Johnnie Beattie

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:29:00 +0000

Saturday's opening RBS 6 Nations match against France in Paris looks like coming just too early for Johnnie Beattie, with assistant coach Graeme Steadman admitting there was "a question mark" about whether the No 8 is ready three weeks after his return from injury.

Rusty Dundee HSFP fall to Glasgow Hawks

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:57:00 +0000

Fourteen weeks without a home game and 11 weeks on from their last league game, Dundee HSFP were almost guaranteed to be a little off the pace as they returned to Premier A action against Glasgow Hawks on Saturday, but the surprise was how slick and clinical the visitors were.

Dundee HSFP ready to clip Glasgow Hawks' wings

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000

A nine-week break almost amounts to a close season so it was no surprise that Dundee HSFP looked a little rusty last week, but the cobwebs are gone for a return to Premier A league action against Glasgow Hawks at Mayfield on Saturday.

Al Kellock delighted at being named Scotland's captain

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Six months after leading Scotland to a two-test triumph in Argentina, Al Kellock has been restored to the captaincy of his country by head coach Andy Robinson for the opening RBS Six Nations meeting with France in Paris next week.

Flying James Fleming on the rise for Dundee HSFP

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:50:00 +0000

Dundee HSFP's flying wing James Fleming is happy to juggle university exams, playing for his club, training with Glasgow Warriors and travelling around the world with the Scotland sevens squad as he continues a meteoric rise through the rugby ranks.

Warriors win while Edinburgh stutter

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:23:00 +0000

Staying in Europe beyond January was already beyond both Scottish pro teams going into the weekend's final round of Heineken Cup pool games, but the comparison between the two teams over the last two weekends of European competition was stark.

Chris Paterson is in place at last

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 07:19:00 +0000

Edinburgh will put Scotland's most-capped player at the position many believe he should had throughout his long career when Chris Paterson plays at stand-off opposite international team-mate Dan Parks in Saturday night's final Heineken Cup pool match at Murrayfield.

Second row's broken leg a huge blow to Stirling County

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:48:00 +0000

At least some rugby was played on club grounds across Scotland last week, but the return to action resulted in a heavy blow to Stirling County's season.

Johnnie Beattie could be back for Six Nations opener against France

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:50:00 +0000

Johnnie Beattie could go straight back into the Scotland team for the opening RBS Six Nations Championship match against France in Paris with only four games under his belt after returning from injury, two of them for club side Ayr.

Match report: Glasgow Warriors 20 London Wasps 10

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:27:00 +0000

The depleted Glasgow Warriors showed admirable grit, determination and skill to shrug off the loss of five key players and record an outstanding and much-deserved victory over former champions Wasps in the Heineken Cup clash at Firhill.

Edinburgh shuffle the pack to take on Northampton Saints

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:57:00 +0000

Edinburgh have switched around their pack again in an attempt to find a cure for their set-piece headache and repeat one of the club's finest away days when they visit Northampton in the Heineken Cup on Friday night.

Sounds of discontent at Murrayfield

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 07:41:00 +0000

Rugby isn't football, where the half-way point of the season has been reached to massed departures of managers, but there are unmistakable rumblings of discontent at Murrayfield as Edinburgh's chances of the Magners League play-offs look to have receded into the distance after Saturday's first-ever home loss to Scarlets.

Frost could dash hopes of Scotland's rugby clubs

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Hopes for a thaw to allow some club rugby to take place this weekend appear to be in vain with heavy frosts forecast for the end of this week, extending the enforced winter break to a month and a half of inaction.

Edinburgh's form at fortress Murrayfield offers chance of securing play-off spot

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:33:00 +0000

Edinburgh's rich vein of home form has put them back in with a chance of the Magners League play-offs, but it needs to continue against the Scarlets on Saturday night in what will be their last match at Murrayfield for nearly two months.

Mike Blair volunteers for duty in vital derby clash

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:33:00 +0000

Edinburgh's Mike Blair has volunteered to make an early return to duty in an attempt to boost his side's hopes of getting an early revenge in the second leg of the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup against Glasgow at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Discipline the key for Edinburgh in 1872 Cup battle

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Edinburgh have to learn quickly to keep their composure and concentration when a man short as a sin-binning at a crucial time once again cost them two tries and wrecked their gameplan in the first leg of the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup, reckons skipper Roddy Grant.

Match report: Glasgow 30 Edinburgh 18

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:50:00 +0000

The Warriors were the team left standing at the end of an ill-disciplined first leg of the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup, as two red and two yellow cards and a blizzard of penalties ended with Edinburgh failing at Firhill yet again.

Points before places for Scottish rugby rivals

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:02:00 +0000

The final eliminators for Six Nations places take a back seat to inter-city pride and the need for Magners League points, according to both Glasgow and Edinburgh squads facing off at Firhill this evening for the first of the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup festive double header.

Local pride at stake for Edinburgh and Glasgow

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:52:00 +0000

Edinburgh will not name their side for Monday's first leg of the derby double-header for the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup until the weekend but head coach Rob Moffat is demanding his team do themselves justice in the clashes with their inter-city rivals over the festive fortnight.

Simon Webster steals win with late try

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:10:00 +0000

Edinburgh finally recorded their first Heineken Cup victory of the season on Monday thanks as a smash-and-grab, last-gasp try by Scotland wing Simon Webster overturned the contest with Castres in front of an empty, echoing and eerie Murrayfield.

Freezing farce for Edinburgh and Glasgow rugby sides

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:53:00 +0000

The wintry weather had Edinburgh and Glasgow's Heineken Cup weekend descending into farce, with the capital club set to play in front of an empty Murrayfield this afternoon while British Airways lost the Warriors' luggage en route to Toulouse.

Pain-free Scotland star Nick De Luca relieved to be back in the running

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 07:04:00 +0000

Scotland centre Nick De Luca's gamble to undergo surgery to try to fix a groin problem before next year's Six Nations and World Cup seemed to have backfired until a simple procedure three weeks ago left him pain-free for the first time in 18 months.

Dundee HSFP give up home match to get playing again

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:47:00 +0000

A month of forced inactivity — other than indoor work or beach training, complete with mandatory dips in the icy waters of the Tay — has been enough to convince Dundee HSFP to give up a precious home fixture to get a game played.

Simon Webster keeps his goals achievable

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:49:00 +0000

Simon Webster's personal targets are set simply from week to week, rather than aimed getting back in the Scotland squad for the Six Nations, as he continues his comeback from a two-year injury nightmare against Castres in the Heineken Cup this weekend.

Glasgow Warriors opt for experience against cup kings Toulouse

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 07:45:00 +0000

Sean Lineen has reverted to experience in a key area in order to try and repeat Glasgow's finest hour at the cauldron of the Ernst Walon Stadium in Toulouse on Saturday, but is confident his side can bounce back from last week's mauling at the hands of the Heineken Cup champions.

Glasgow Warriors undone by defensive mistakes

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:50:00 +0000

Reigning Heineken Cup champions Toulouse just about ended Glasgow's interest in this year's tournament with a ruthless first-half performance at Firhill on Friday night as the Warriors' early defensive errors cost them the chance of the upset.

Edinburgh looking for Heineken Cup double over Castres

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Edinburgh head to the scene of their only Heineken Cup win in France aiming to re-start their European campaign and repeat the double they achieved over Castres two years ago.

Clubs face another whiteout weekend

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:32:00 +0000

A second successive whiteout of Scottish club rugby fixtures appears certain this weekend with many clubs having already made a midweek decision to postpone their fixtures, many of which were rescheduled themselves from two weeks ago.

Former Lions prop Peter Wright to lead coaches

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:19:00 +0000

Scotland's next generation of coaches will be led by former British Lions prop Peter Wright, who assumes responsibility for the Scotland under-20 squad for 2011.

Sean Lineen wants no excuses from Glasgow Warriors

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:54:00 +0000

Glasgow Warriors are hopeful a forecasted thaw will allow their crucial Heineken Cup clash against reigning champions Toulouse to go ahead at Firhill on Friday night.

All Scottish rugby wiped out by the white-out

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:29:00 +0000

All rugby in Scotland will be wiped out by the white-out this weekend with even teams travelling to areas of Britain not as badly affected struggling to get there.

RBS to be key sponsors of Scottish rugby

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:33:00 +0000

RBS will be Scottish Rugby's principal sponsors for the next three and a half years as a result of a deal announced by the bank and the SRU.

A December to remember for Glasgow Warriors

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:39:00 +0000

Glasgow Warriors are optimistic that they will welcome back six of their frontline Scotland international players for Friday night's Magners League meeting with Benetton Treviso if there is no further heavy snow.

Ruaridh Jackson makes Samoa pay the penalty

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Ruaridh Jackson often dreamed of scoring the winner at Pittodrie as a boy watching Aberdeen from the stands, but the last-kick penalty to win Saturday's EMC autumn test against Samoa for Scotland was even better than the dream for the 22-year-old.

Scotland pretty effective against Samoa, if not pretty to look at

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:34:00 +0000

The fairy-tale ending to Scotland's sojourn to Aberdeen, with Ruaridh Jackson stepping forward to win the game against Samoa with the last kick, should not disguise the fact the final EMC Autumn Test match was a bit of a bore, just like many matches involving the Scots these days.

Scotland to treat Samoa with utmost respect

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 07:29:00 +0000

Scotland will act as if they are lining up against the No 1 ranked team or the world champions they have faced in the last fortnight when they meet Samoa at a snowy Pittodrie this Saturday.

Ex-HSFP man Stuart McInally to play as Edinburgh host Connacht

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:56:00 +0000

Edinburgh will give new Dundee HSFP recruit Stuart McInally his chance at his preferred number eight as they take on a Connacht side almost untouched by the autumn tests at Murrayfield tonight.

Landmark game for Allan Jacobsen and Sean Lamont

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:06:00 +0000

They began their international careers as opposites — the barrel-shaped journeyman prop and the flash wing with blond streaks and orange gloves — but Allan Jacobsen and Sean Lamont will reach their half-centuries of Scotland caps together, both looking for the physical challenge of Samoa at Pittodrie.

Scotland's Vernon vows to take his chance against Samoa

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 07:52:00 +0000

Richie Vernon admits he was lucky to get the chance for redemption against South Africa at the weekend, but the Dundee-born number eight plans to take full advantage of his good fortune in Saturday's final autumn test against Samoa at Pittodrie.

Richie Gray fit to lead against Samoa

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:41:00 +0000

Scotland's new young star Richie Gray is ready to take a key leadership role in the national team at only 21, and Fraser McKenzie could be poised for a first cap this Saturday in the final EMC Autumn Test against Samoa at Pittodrie.

Scotland kick to 21-17 victory against South Africa

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:27:00 +0000

The road to redemption is supposed to be a long haul, with staging posts along the way to test the hero's character to the limits.

Scotland restore pride against South Africa

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:22:00 +0000

The humiliation of a record loss to New Zealand fuelled the fire that led to redemption against South Africa on Saturday — but Scotland will only use positive memories from now on after getting the development project back on track, according to key man Dan Parks.

Scotland and Lions rugby doctor James Robson honoured

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:27:00 +0000

The much-respected Scotland rugby team doctor James Robson has received one of the highest accolades in the UK medical profession when he was awarded a fellowship ad hominem from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Scots out to restore some pride against Springboks

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 08:14:00 +0000

Joe Ansbro will create history as the first player of black origin to play for Scotland when he debuts at centre as a late call-up for the injured Max Evans in the test against South Africa at Murrayfield.

Grant wants a Gala atmosphere for Scotland against USA Eagles

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:01:00 +0000

Edinburgh captain Roddy Grant is hoping for some hometown atmosphere at Netherdale on Friday night as he returns to Galashiels for Scotland A against the USA Eagles.

Dundee High have no margin for error at Mayfield

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:27:00 +0000

Last week's victory over Ayr at Millbrae has got Dundee HSFP thinking about a bid for one of the top three places in Premier One — but in the next two weeks at Mayfield there is no room for error.

Scotland's MacLeod must rise to challenge of South Africa

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:01:00 +0000

Taking on the the best lineout tandem in rugby is a challenge that Scott MacLeod prefers to sitting at home watching his Scotland squad mates floundering — and it is one he is relishing after his recall to the team to meet South Africa on Saturday.

Al Kellock to lead young side into USA clash

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

As many as nine players who have featured for Scotland Under-20s in the last three years are in a Scotland A side in Friday's curtain-raiser to the second autumn international weekend.

Rory Lawson realises his childhood dream

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:43:00 +0000

Rory Lawson will demand fire in the belly and a warrior spirit, irrespective of the scoreline, when he leads Scotland for the first time as they attempt to bounce back from last week's All Black nightmare against world champions South Africa at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Scots look to bounce back from humbling by All Blacks

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:46:00 +0000

Scotland may have suffered a blow to their self-belief in Saturday's collapse to the All Blacks but the coaching team believes the players will recover.

All Blacks burst Scottish bubble

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Deacon Blue's song song Dignity was an awful choice by the Murrayfield DJ to mark the conclusion of Saturday's 49-3 humiliation of Scotland by the All Blacks, but no more awful than what the 58,000 crowd had just witnessed from the home team.

Power of All Blacks shocks Scotland's rugby rookies

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 07:08:00 +0000

Scotland's rookies admitted to being shocked by the pace and power of the All Blacks but are determined to reach their lofty standards and bounce back this week against South Africa.

Concentration the key for Scotland against New Zealand

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 06:39:00 +0000

Head coach Andy Robinson believes that his Scotland players cannot afford even five seconds of lapsed concentration if they are to fulfil their fervent belief that they can upset New Zealand for the first time in over a century at Murrayfield on Saturday evening.

Scotland out to shock the All Blacks

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 06:31:00 +0000

The All Blacks have the aura and, in his former team-mate Sonny Bill Williams, the best off-loader Rory Lamont has ever seen, but he believes the vibe and atmosphere in the Scotland camp can lead them to a first-ever victory over New Zealand.

Captain Mike Blair raring to go against New Zealand

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:14:00 +0000

Mike Blair returns to the Scotland captaincy after 18 months out of the starting team with the burden shared and relishing the chance to make history against New Zealand in the first autumn test at Murrayfield on Saturday.

An embarrassment of Richies as Scotland prepare to face New Zealand

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:45:00 +0000

Scotland will counter the world's top player Richie McCaw and his All Blacks with two Richies of their own making their international debuts when they face New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Gregor Townsend tells Scots pace the key to matching All Blacks

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:40:00 +0000

Speed kills international defences, Scotland attack coach Gregor Townsend believes, and playing at pace will be the philosophy of the national side against New Zealand in the first EMC Autumn Test at
Murrayfield on Saturday—even if it might play into the All Blacks' hands.

Scotland wing Thom Evans bows to inevitable

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 06:52:00 +0000

Scottish rugby's best-known secret was confirmed as Scotland wing Thom Evans officially retired as a result of the injuries he sustained in last year's RBS Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff.

New league fixtures pose problems for Dundee High

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:51:00 +0000

As the SRU club leagues break for a week for cup action, the new schedule of league fixtures announced this week promise anomalies and confusion going into the New Year.

Al Kellock 'desperate' for return to action

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:08:00 +0000

Scotland skipper Al Kellock returns to the Glasgow team too late to be considered for the first of the autumn tests and is only concerned with his club as he emerges from his longest-ever spell on the sidelines.

Robinson believes Dan Parks can flourish against the All Blacks

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:01:00 +0000

Dan Parks has Scotland head coach Andy Robinson's confidence as a man who can rise to the occasion of the opening autumn international against New Zealand next week, despite not having played a competitive game for a month.

Needless errors cost Stirling County against Melrose

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Eddie Pollock isn't a man with the sunniest of dispositions after rugby matches even when his team have won handsomely, so one expected a gloomy appraisal after Stirling County's narrow 24-20 loss to Melrose confirmed they will be in the middle eight of the league split.

David Arnot to pick up third Scotland A cap

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:10:00 +0100

A Fife-born rugby league player is expected to win his third cap for Scotland A when they take on their Welsh counterparts today.

Edinburgh aiming for four wins in a row

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 10:12:00 +0100

The youngest Blair will replace the middle one to team up with the eldest as Edinburgh go in search of a fourth successive Magners League win when they come up against Leinster at Dublin on Saturday night.

Dundee HSFP look to improve away record against Watsonians

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:18:00 +0100

Dundee HSFP finally secured their place in the top eight with the beanfeast against West last week, and the only question is why the club have been unable to turn their devastating home form of late into similar success on the road, with only the win at Hawick coming on their travels so far.

Graeme Morrison has a ton of love for Glasgow

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:29:00 +0100

Graeme Morrison will make his 100th Magners League start, while Peter Horne will make his first of the season for the Glasgow Warriors when they face Llanelli Scarlets in West Wales.

Dundee HSFP in record win over West of Scotland

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:19:00 +0100

The toughest assignment of the afternoon at Mayfield was probably not the Premier One meeting with West of Scotland but the artistic requirements of the photographer during the after-match shoot for Dundee HSFP's calendar.

Match report: Glasgow 31 Ospreys 23

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:14:00 +0100

Glasgow Warriors produced an amazing second-half display to turn around what seemed a desperate situation against the Ospreys and clinch their best Magners League win of the season so far at Firhill on Sunday.

Dougie Hall is back for Glasgow Warriors

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:12:00 +0100

Dougie Hall plans to continue his comeback straight back into the Scotland team as he returns to the Glasgow Warriors starting line-up for the first time in nearly a year against the Ospreys at Firhill on Sunday.

Match report: Edinburgh 21 Ulster 16

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 07:15:00 +0100

Two mis-hit drop goals and a perfect pass from stand-off David Blair helped lift Edinburgh to their third Magners League win in a row in a hard-fought, rain-soaked slog against Ulster at Murrayfield on Friday night.

Dundee HSFP promise feast of tries at home

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:49:00 +0100

Dundee HSFP ailed for only the second time this season to get a try bonus point last week, but normal service can be expected to resume with no greater promise of a try-feast than at Mayfield.

Rob Moffat wants results from Edinburgh players

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:49:00 +0100

Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat wants to see the impressive — but ultimately fruitless — work of a Heineken Cup fortnight translate into a continuation of his team's Magners League revival when they host Ulster at Murrayfield.

Skipper poser for Scotland coach Andy Robinson

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 07:52:00 +0100

Andy Robinson will pick from five players to inherit the captain's role from injured Chris Cusiter and Al Kellock when Scotland face the formidable task of taking on New Zealand in the first of three autumn tests next month.

Match report: Edinburgh 27 Northampton Saints 31

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:11:00 +0100

Edinburgh's Heineken Cup campaign floundered against Northampton at Murrayfield.

Edinburgh must halt Northampton at Murrayfield

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 09:33:00 +0100

Edinburgh need to stop the power game of Northampton at Murrayfield on Saturday afternoon if they are to achieve the win necessary to keep them in the Heineken Cup, believes head coach Rob Moffat.

Slip-up could prove costly for Stirling County

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:33:00 +0100

Stirling County did what they needed to beat Hawick for the first time in three meetings last week, but a losing bonus point against them could prove costly when it comes to the Premier One league split in three weeks.

King ready to make Heineken Cup waves for Edinburgh

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:47:00 +0100

James King found that being a deckhand on a multi-millionaire's yacht in Monte Carlo wasn't the life for him, and his path back to a professional rugby career is complete with his surprise call-up to Edinburgh's starting team against Northampton in the Heineken Cup on Saturday.

Selkirk demolished by Dundee HSFP

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:21:00 +0100

"We're decimated. Five backs out injured," said Selkirk director of rugby Dennis Henderson, when listing his team prior to Saturday's meeting with Dundee HSFP at Mayfield.

Dundee HSFP and Stirling County battling in Premier One

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:17:00 +0100

The next month will complete the first section of the SRU Premier One and Two and the race to make the top eight has begun in earnest.

Dundee High run Heriot's ragged

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 07:41:00 +0100

The sledging didn't stop even in the post-match line-ups at Mayfield on Saturday but you could hardly blame the Dundee HSFP players for cheerfully rubbing in the whopping margin of victory over Heriot's in Saturday's Premier One battle.

Match report: Edinburgh 32 Leinster 24

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 07:17:00 +0100

The brothers Blair combined magnificently to ensure Edinburgh's long-running Magners League losing streak ended against a virtually full-strength Leinster side at a chilly Murrayfield.

Dundee HSFP v Heriot's promises to be combustible encounter

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:57:00 +0100

It may be becoming a bit of a weekly nail-biting nightmare for Ian Rankin and his coaching team, but there's no question that Dundee HSFP are the team to watch in Premier One of the SRU leagues if you're looking for a full fill of entertainment.

Phil Godman is out injured for six months

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:24:00 +0100

Edinburgh's miserable start to their Magners League campaign deepened with the confirmation stand-off Phil Godman will miss most of the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in training.

Esteban Lozada fired up for second Edinburgh debut

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:17:00 +0100

Argentina lock Esteban Lozada has suffered through a nightmare first month with Edinburgh but intends to make a telling impact to get the capital side on the winning mark with his second "debut" against Leinster on Friday.

Kirkcaldy take Edinburgh Accies to the wire

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:43:00 +0100

A sure sign that confidence might be lacking at Beveridge Park at the moment came after only three minutes of Saturday's Premier Two match against Edinburgh Accies when Kirkcaldy player-coach Quintan Sanft kicked a penalty to open the scoring to be greeted with the plea from the crowd, "Can we have no-side now, ref?"

Sean Lineen rewards Glasgow Warriors' youngster with starting spot

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:06:00 +0100

Glasgow coach Sean Lineen has rewarded young recruit Robert Harley for his lively showings off the bench for the Glasgow Warriors in their opening two games by fielding him from the start as one of three changes for tonight's visit of Connacht to Firhill.

Dundee HSFP tricky start to campaign makes winning a must

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:39:00 +0100

The first month of the new club rugby season has seen a changing of the guard at the top of Premier One and left Dundee HSFP battling to match up to last year's fourth-place finish, the best in the club's long history.

John Barclay's return a good omen for Glasgow Warriors

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:39:00 +0100

Glasgow Warriors will refit one of the most important components of the team that reached the Magners League play-offs last season when they welcome back Scotland flanker John Barclay for the visit of Connacht to Firhill tomorrow.

Edinburgh players challenged to win places

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:42:00 +0100

Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat has challenged his squad to win places in the starting line-up for Friday's Magners League meeting with Ulster by proving themselves over two days of training.

Match report: Edinburgh 13 Munster 16

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 09:24:00 +0100

Munster called on their four British and Irish Lions and 350 caps of experience from off the bench to rescue a narrow victory over Edinburgh from their Magners League clash at Murrayfield on Friday night.

News and previews: local rugby

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:11:00 +0100

Stirling County, after a dream of a start to Premier One, have been dealt a dose of hard reality with two successive defeats and tomorrow's clash with Selkirk at Bridgehaugh has taken on great importance to the club's season.

Revitalised Chris Paterson targets home win

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 06:50:00 +0100

Chris Paterson endured the longest lay-off of his 12-year professional career this year but believes it may have refreshed him for what promises to be a memorable season for Scotland and Edinburgh.

Ross Rennie ready to let rip for Edinburgh

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:30:00 +0100

Ross Rennie could be on the verge of having the shackles taken off at last if he starts the 2010-11 season with the right sort of bang against Munster at Murrayfield in the Magners League on Friday.

Match report: Glasgow 22 Leinster 19

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:30:00 +0100

Home town hero Duncan Weir came off the bench to inspire a magnificent comeback as a young and inexperienced Warriors team clinched an opening Magners League victory over Leinster at Firhill.

Dundee HSFP to host men in pink at Mayfield

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:09:00 +0100

Having taken two points away from Malleny Park as a result of a second 10-try thriller in as many weeks, there isn't likely to be any relief on the heart rates at Mayfield this week, as Ayr come to Dundee HSFP.

Richie Gray ready to take leading Warriors role

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:49:00 +0100

Less than a year into his pro rugby career, the soft-spoken Richie Gray is being trusted with vocal responsibility and a battle against Scotland’s favourite rugby motormouth as the Magners League gets under way at Firhill tonight.

Young Warriors face test

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:45:00 +0100

Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen remains "excited, rewarded and satisfied'' by the preparations of a callow team with 10 changes from the side that lost last year's Magners League play-off semi-final as they prepare to host last year's runners-up Leinster in the opening game of the new season.

Fraser McKenzie and Lee Jones given nod for Edinburgh

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:06:00 +0100

Former Dunfermline and Dundee HSFP forward Fraser McKenzie and rookie wing Lee Jones are the first beneficiaries of coach Rob Moffat's "rewards for performance" policy with inclusion in the Edinburgh team to launch their Magners League season at Cardiff on Saturday.

Preview: Scottish Hydro Premier leagues

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:47:00 +0100

The annual alterations in the structure of Scottish club rugby are almost matched by the changing of the guard across the country which makes this season's Scottish Hydro Premier leagues harder to predict than ever.

Vernon in with chance to replace injured John Beattie

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:08:00 +0100

Richie Vernon is one of a number of options to replace the injured John Beattie in the key number eight role for Scotland in the first half of this season.

Match report: Scotland XV 24 Japan Select 5

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:46:00 +0100

A strong Scotland XV found the Japanese select a far more difficult obstacle than they could have anticipated in labouring to an unimpressive win in the pre-tour match at Murrayfield.

McMillan to the fore for Warriors as Cusiter is out injured

Fri, 14 May 2010 15:52:00 +0100

Glasgow Warriors will be without Scotland captain Chris Cusiter for the first ever Magners League semi-final against the Ospreys tonight in Swansea, but coach Sean Lineen has put his faith in experienced back up Mark McMillan.

Glasgow Warriors carrying momentum into Ospreys showdown

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:28:00 +0100

Glasgow Warriors have been in a semi-final-style focus for more than a month — and nothing will change as they head to Wales for Friday's Magners League final-four showdown with the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, says skipper Alastair Kellock.

Warriors lock Gray bids to impress late on

Thu, 06 May 2010 13:47:00 +0100

Emerging Glasgow and Scotland lock Richie Gray gets a recall for the business end of the Magners League season starting in Llanelli tomorrow night.

Signings and sponsorship deal give lift to Edinburgh

Wed, 05 May 2010 15:24:00 +0100

Three key players have signed new terms with Edinburgh and main sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management have extended their deal with the club, but there is still no news of a decision on a contract deal with former captain Ally Hogg.

'Mighty Mouse' McLauchlan takes top role at SRU

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:13:00 +0100

"Mighty Mouse" Ian McLauchlan, one of the greatest ever players for Scotland and the British Lions, has been elected unopposed as the next president of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Strathie take heart after Murrayfield loss

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:11:00 +0100

The party at the Inchmacoble Park clubhouse might have been a little subdued on Saturday night, but there should be no recriminations about Strathmore's first appearance at Murrayfield in losing Saturday's SRU Regional Bowl final to North Berwick.

Match report: Edinburgh 25 Ulster 37

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:18:00 +0100

Edinburgh's season fizzled out in feeble fashion in the Murrayfield sunshine as defeat to Ulster put them realistically out of the Magners League play-off picture, but secured the last-four success of their rivals Glasgow.

Edinburgh and Warriors face stern tests

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:05:00 +0100

The stars appeared to have aligned for Glasgow, and to have crossed for Edinburgh, as Scotland’s two pro teams face crunch matches on the penultimate weekend of the Magners League's regular season.

Strathie spirits high ahead of day at Murrayfield

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:37:00 +0100

Doing your training in the bar is one of rugby’s oldest jokes but for Strathmore RFC it was the truth as they battled through a rough winter to maintain their promotion challenge and get the huge bonus of a trip to Finals Day at Murrayfield.

Bogey ground awaits Edinburgh run-in

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:27:00 +0100

Edinburgh have their Magners League play-off future in their own hands but need wins in their last three games, starting with a visit to one of their bogey grounds, to be sure of making the final four.

Stirling can clinch title

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:58:00 +0100

Promotion has long been in the bag and it's just a question of the cherry on the cake for Stirling County as they aim to secure the Premier Two title at Hartreemill on the hills by Biggar.

Last four spot out of Warriors' hands

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:22:00 +0100

John Barclay returns to action for Glasgow on Friday as the Magners League play-off race hots up and the Warriors face the second of three must-win games.

Young Scots seal famous victory

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:12:00 +0100

Scotland produced arguably their best ever performance at under-19 level to defeat France in sunny conditions at Braidholm that should have been ideal for Gallic rugby.

Strathmore chase two titles

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:11:40 +0100

Strathmore are still fighting on two fronts as the club rugby season winds to a close and can clinch a place at finals day at Murrayfield later this month if they can secure victory in the south west.

Match report: Glasgow Warriors 27 Dragons 19

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:49:00 +0100

Glasgow Warriors lifted their Magners League play-off hopes with a comfortable win over bogey side the Dragons at Firhill yesterday, but missed out on the try bonus point that would have given them a share of second.

Plenty to play for in local rugby

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:16:02 +0100

With the quarter-finals going the way of Premier One clubs in last week's Scottish Hydro Premier Cup, all three of the beaten Midlands teams get back to rearranged fixtures but with plenty still at stake.

Glasgow Warriors forced into changes

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:23:00 +0100

Glasgow may have lost key man Jon Welsh for the rest of the season, just as the Magners League play-off race hots up for fourth-placed Warriors.

Moffat calls on Edinburgh's heavy armour

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:21 +0100

Rob Moffat has reinstated much of his heavy armour for the assault on Connacht's Sportsground in Galway on Friday as Edinburgh seek to maintain their recent record against the western-most Irish province and their bid for a home draw in the Magners League play-offs.

Melrose expect to be too strong

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:09:00 +0000

Steve Scott previews the weekend's rugby action in Scotland.

Glasgow Warriors ready for Munster

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:50:00 +0000

Glasgow will take all but one of their Scotland heroes back to Ireland in an attempt to claim a second successful raid on one of that country's citadels when they return to Magners League action tonight against Munster.

Robinson puts faith in same starting XV

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:40:00 +0000

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson gives a vote of confidence to his try-shy team and, with Kelly Brown judged fit, names an unchanged starting XV for the final RBS Six Nations Championship meeting with Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.

Kelly Brown joins Scotland's list of doubts

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:56:00 +0000

Scotland's outstanding back row could be disrupted before Saturday's final RBS Six Nations game against Ireland in Dublin with Kelly Brown still being monitored after suffering a head knock in the Calcutta Cup draw with England.

Dundee HSFP's Fleming receives international call

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:34:19 +0000

Dundee HSFP'S flying wing James Fleming continued his speedy progress up the ranks by being selected for the Scottish Club International team to take on Ireland in Dublin on Friday night.

Robinson looks to the next step

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:21:49 +0000

Andy Robinson wants to rewrite the story of Scotland's RBS Six Nations from one of missed opportunities to one where the breakthrough began as his team head for Dublin for next week's final game.