Stuart Allison Ready to Lead Watsonian FC in Edinburgh Derby

For Stuart Allison, rugby began in the Scottish Borders, where his early development included being coached by Scotland and British & Irish Lions coach Jim Telfer at Melrose. 

It was the beginning of a journey that would take Allison to Stirling University and eventually, to Edinburgh, where he joined Watsonians in 2019. 

Seven years later, he has become one of the club’s senior figures, reaching 100 appearances for the first XV earlier this season and taking on the responsibility of captaincy. 

Looking back, Allison describes his time at Watsonians as “an absolute whirlwind”, but one he has enjoyed every minute of. 

“My journey at Watsonians has been an absolute whirlwind but I have enjoyed every second. I’ve watched the 1st XV grow from fighting relegation in National 1 to competing in the Arnold Clark Premiership. 

“Along the way, I have shared the pitch with some incredible players who have gone on to have great professional careers.” 

That evolution has also been reflected in Allison’s own role within the club. From a new arrival in 2019, he has developed into a leader and now finds himself responsible for helping guide a young Watsonians squad through another competitive campaign. 

Reaching 100 caps for Watsonians was therefore more than simply a personal milestone. 

“It was a great privilege to reach 100 caps for such a prestigious club and something I will never take for granted,” Allison said. 

“I love the idea of looking back in future years and knowing I gave my all for the players I share the pitch with. Watsonians has been a huge part of my life since I joined back in 2019.” 

There is also a family connection that makes the achievement particularly meaningful. 

“My Grandad was a Watsonian so maroon and white definitely runs through my veins!” 

Now, as club captain, Allison is conscious that he is helping shape the same environment that has given him so much over the past seven years. 

“To captain Watsonians means following in the footsteps of some rugby legends such as Euan Kennedy and the Hastings brothers – an absolute honour,” he said. 

“I view my role as captain being to drive high standards on the pitch and create a competitive and friendly culture off the pitch.” 

It is a responsibility that extends beyond the immediate results. Allison wants his contribution to be measured by what he leaves behind as much as what he achieves during his own time at the club. 

“My goal is to leave the club in the best possible place for future generations and create memories I will proudly look back on.” 

Those future generations are already making their mark, with Watsonians fielding a youthful squad this season and handing opportunities to a number of new players. 

Seven players made their Watsonians debuts against Ayr RFC in the opening round, but despite the turnover, Allison has been encouraged by the way the group has adapted. 

“Considering how many new players we have, I’m really pleased with how the season has started,” he said. 

Watsonians have won three of their opening five Premiership matches, including a dramatic victory over GHA RFC secured with the final kick of the game. Their two defeats have come against Ayr and Melrose, leaving them on 15 points and firmly in the middle of a tightly packed table. 

“Our team is on the youthful side, however we have shown some real maturity and managed to close out tight games – even beating GHA with the last kick of the game,” Allison said. 

“I have no doubt that a lot of our young players will go on to have great careers.” 

That blend of youth and experience will now be tested in one of Scottish club rugby’s most familiar fixtures, as Watsonians welcome Heriot’s for an Edinburgh derby. 

Heriot’s sit just above their city rivals on 18 points, having also won three of their five matches. Their most recent victory was particularly significant, as they became the first team since November 2024 to defeat reigning champions Ayr RFC in a league fixture. 

For Allison, though, the derby is about more than the respective positions of the two teams. 

“It’s always a great game against Heriot’s,” he said. “They got the better of us in pre-season but matches have been relatively close over the past few years. Hopefully we have enough to get over the line.” 

Audiences across the country will be able to watch the featured match between Watsonians and Heriot’s live from Myreside this Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm on the Scottish Rugby YouTube channel. 

There is plenty more at stake across the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership this weekend. 

At Raeburn Place, Edinburgh Accies welcome Melrose Rugby, with the Borderers travelling north after clinching a dramatic victory over Watsonians last weekend in the closing minutes. 

In the Borders, Kelso RFC host Glasgow Hawks at Poynder Park, with the visitors still searching for their first win of the season. 

Ayr RFC welcome GHA RFC to Millbrae, with the hosts looking to respond after suffering their first defeat of the campaign against Heriot’s last weekend. 

The Hawick RFC v Currie Chieftains fixture scheduled for this weekend has been postponed following the sad news of the passing of Ally Donaldson. 

 Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership 

After the first scheduled break in the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership, Round 4 gets underway this weekend. 

Two of the division’s unbeaten sides go head-to-head as Biggar RFC host Hillhead Jordanhill RFC. 

Both clubs have won their opening three matches, with Biggar hoping home advantage can help them maintain their perfect start. Hillhead Jordanhill, however, travel with confidence after an impressive opening to the campaign. 

Heriot’s Rugby Women face Watsonians FC at Goldenacre, with the two sides meeting in a mid-table clash. 

Stirling County, meanwhile, put their unbeaten record on the line at home to Corstorphine RFC, who are still searching for their first victory of the season. 

The fourth-round meeting between Cartha Queen’s Park and Garioch RFC was brought forward at the request of both clubs, with Garioch coming out on top in a thrilling 35-34 encounter last weekend. 

 Boys’ U18 Open Competition 

As we approach the closing stages of the Boys’ U18 Open Competition, three fixtures take place this Saturday across Pools A and B. 

In Pool A, Dollar Academy host Merchiston Castle School. Merchiston currently lead the pool and travel to Dollar on the back of a win over Edinburgh Academy in the oldest school continuous fixture last weekend. 

Elsewhere in Pool A, George Watson’s College welcome Edinburgh Academy. Edinburgh currently sit second in the pool, with George Watson’s College in third, setting up an important fixture as both sides look to strengthen their positions. 

In Pool B, Erskine Stewart Melville take on Strathallan School.