Countdown is on for Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership

Just 10 days remain until the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership gets underway, and the game of the round sees Heriot’s Rugby Women host 2023-24 champions Stirling County.

There has been just over 100 days since Premiership teams last took to the field – at Silver Saturday on April 27 – and players across the country are ready and raring to go for the new season.

Representatives from all eight Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership teams gathered at Bridgehaugh Park in Stirling last week for a photo shoot to celebrate the restart of the competition at the grounds of the champions.

Stirling’s Ciorstaidh Ainsworth spoke of her excitement for the season to get underway, and taking on Heriot’s in the season opener.

“Last season we had a very good season. We progressed throughout the season, but so did all the other teams, really, so we had to up our game and develop, which made it a hard season for us, but it was very rewarding.

“We have no coaching changes, but we have a few new players, including some returning from injury. It’s the same core team, but with a few fresh and exciting faces,” Ciorstaidh said.

The Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership begins in just 10 days.

With the Wallace Monument looming over Bridgehaugh, Stirling’s home ground seemed even more impenetrable than in the previous season.

“Last year one of our main strengths was our fitness, which allowed us to play hard for 80 minutes. We showed a high level last year and we hope to be able to continue that this year too.

“It’s going to be a tough season. All the other teams are improving, so if we want to go and win it all, we need to up our game big time.

“We’re very excited (for the match against Heriot’s), but we’re also nervous. Heriot’s is always a very tough match for us, they play very similar rugby to us, getting the ball fast out wide, so it will be a good challenge for us first up,” she said.

The Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership is also underway soon. The first round of action kicks off on Saturday 31 August. Head to our fixtures tab for all the information.

See all the fixtures here. Head to individual club websites for information on venues.