Friday 28 July: Southern Knights v FOSROC Future XV

The Friday night lights return as Southern Knights welcome the FOSROC Future XV on their first outing to kick off the FOSROC Super Series Championship at the Greenyards, kick-off 7.35pm.

How to watch

Highlights of this match will be available on the Scottish Rugby website on Monday evening.

Be There

Secure your spot to watch the game in person at the Greenyards. Get your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: Jonny Perriam
AR 1: Michael Todd
AR 2: Bob Nevins

Comments from the Coaches:

Alan Tait (Southern Knights) said:

“The players are really looking forward to the game after a good 6-week preseason. There are some players unavailable for different reasons but it gives those selected a great opportunity to put their hand up and grab the jersey.

“It’s the unknown this week – a new team with new players so we are excited to welcome them to the Greenyards.

“Focus for us is how we perform and our performance over 80mins, not in fits and starts. We’ve spoken about being clinical with and without the ball and our defence has to win us games. We’ve got a fantastic group of players and I’m excited to see the new players on the Greenyards for the first time.”

Scott Lawson (FOSROC Future XV) said:

“We are excited to face Southern Knights in our first game in the Super Series Championship. With Alan Tait as defence coach and Lewis Carmichael leading the forwards they will be well organised up front and be very powerful in their defence.

“Creating energy both sides of the ball has been a key focus for us in the lead up to this game. Southern Knights will pose a significant physical threat however if we are able to capitilise on the opportunities our energy creates this young group will create an entertaining and competitive contest.

“Thanks goes to Stirling Wolves who on their bye week we have been able to add some players with Super Series experience which will undoubtably help those playing for the first time at this level.

“As players return from the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kenya and YCG in Trinidad & Tobago, more young Scottish players will get the chance to experience Super Series rugby. I’m excited to see this young group take the field for the first time on Friday night.”

Team Selections

Friday 28 July: Boroughmuir Bears v Heriot’s Rugby

The second Friday night fixture takes place at Meggetland as Boroughmuir Bears host Heriot’s Rugby for their first match of the 2023 Championship, kick-off 7.35pm.

This game will be streamed live on the Scottish Rugby website.

Be There

There’s still time to get your tickets to see Boroughmuir Bears take on Heriot’s Rugby here.

Match Officials

Ref: Ian Kenny
AR 1: Ruairidh Campbell
AR 2: Samuel O’Neil

Comments from the Coaches:

Graham Shiel (Boroughmuir Bears) said:

“A tough start to the Championship versus one of the most in form squads and Sprint Competition 2023 runners up – Heriot’s Rugby.

“The opener versus Heriots will be a big challenge as always. Heriots are a very settled squad with a lot of experience throughout. They are always a hard team to play and we know that unless we can perform to our best, we will struggle to be competitive, which is the great part around this competition.

“As has been the case throughout our existence, the aim of this group is to develop our young players (which we have 5 home grown players in the match day 23 this week) improve the group as individuals and collectively to provide the challenges that players crave to be the best they can be.”

Ben Cairns (Heriot’s Rugby) said:

“It’s great to be back into league action and, what we believe, is the main competition. We talked a lot throughout the Sprint about preparing the side to go and win a title. The defeat in the final of the Sprint has certainly added extra motivation to our main goal of winning the Championship.

“We are very pleased with the squad we have assembled and how the guys have applied themselves through the short break between competitions. However, the proof is in the pudding!

“Away to the Bears at Meggetland under the Friday Night Lights is a huge test first up. They are such a cohesive group and are always very hard to overcome and we know they will be massively motivated to get off to a good start too.

“We cannot wait to get started and will be doing everything we can to get off to a winning start.”

Team Selections

Saturday 29 July: Ayrshire Bulls v Watsonians

Your Saturday game will see last’s year’s finalists Ayrshire Bulls and Watsonians go head-to-head in their first meeting of the Championship at Millbrae, kick-off 5.30pm.

How to watch

This game will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the Scottish Rugby website.

Be There

Saturday evening plans are sorted at Millbrae – don’t miss out on the action and buy your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: Sam Grove-White
AR 1: Finlay Brown
AR 2: Rob McDowell

Comments from the Coaches:

Pat McArthur (Ayrshire Bulls) said:

“It is always great to open the campaign at home in front of the Millbrae faithful. To have Watsonians, the current Champions, first up will be tough and the players will have to hit the ground running. They also have a new set of coaches which will bring a bit of the unknown to the contest.

“Saturday promises to be a great occasion with the ‘Dash of Pink’ in aid of cancer charities looking to bring in a big crowd.”

Nicki Walker (Watsonians) said:

“Fantastic start and challenge to the season for us going across to Ayr to play a team that hold the favorites tag for the Championship.  Games against Ayrshire Bulls have always been very physical, intense and high scoring affairs and I am sure this will be no different.

“For Watsonians this is a good opportunity to put a marker down and measure how hard we have worked and what progress has been made during a preseason since the Sprint Series.  There has been very good preparation for this week, and we are all looking forward to the challenge that Millbrae always presents.”

Team Selections