Friday 10 November: Semi-Final 1 – Heriot’s Rugby v Stirling Wolves

Our first semi-final of the weekend takes place this Friday evening with a clash between table toppers Heriot’s Rugby and 4th place Stirling Wolves, this game will not take place at Heriot’s home ground but instead at Hawthornden, Lasswade RFC, kick-off 7.35pm.

How to watch

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

Be There

Come and cheer for your favourite team in the first of our semi-final matches this weekend. Get your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: Ruairidh Campbell
AR 1: Michael Todd
AR 2: Samuel O’Neill

Comments from the Coaches:

Ben Cairns (Heriot’s Rugby) said:

“These are the matches everyone wants to be involved in. It’s why the players and staff have grafted all season, and we are all really looking forward to the challenge that knock-out rugby presents. We’ve been on an amazing journey together this season and we want that to continue into next week. However, I know how much Stirling Wolves will be relishing the challenge also and we know they will leave nothing out there on Friday.

“Part of the challenge when the stakes are so high is trusting the process and not feeling like you have to do something different or extra special. Both teams generally play a very similar brand of rugby, both like to move the ball and play a high tempo, offloading type of game. The team that can execute this game plan best will likely be the team that comes out on top.

“We could not have asked for a better host than Lasswade RFC. They have been so accommodating, their facilities are excellent and Hawthornden is an awesome venue for rugby under the Friday night lights. We hope our Heriot’s fans faithfully make the journey and are joined by a sizeable local crowd to add to what should be a great night of entertainment.”

Eddie Pollock (Stirling Wolves) said:

“Last Saturday at Meggetland was another strong defensive performance resulting in a win away from home. It’s been a real bonus having key performers such as Connor Gordon and Gregor Hiddleston back playing at the sharp end of the season, their quality and energy has given the team a big lift leading into the semi-final.

“Heriot’s under Ben Cairns are a much-improved side and have been the form team throughout the Championship only losing one match so far. Knock out rugby, however, is a different animal, and we are looking forward to what will be a great contest on Friday night at Lasswade RFC.”

Team Selections

Saturday 11 November: Semi-Final 2 – Ayrshire Bulls v Watsonians

In a repeat of last year’s Championship Final, Watsonians will meet Ayrshire Bulls this Saturday. Only one team can return to Hive Stadium, will it be the current Champions Watsonians, or will Bulls return to have another chance at the trophy? Kick-off, 5pm.

How to watch

This game will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA.

BBC Alba is available on: Freeview / You View 7 (Scotland only), Freesat 109 (UK), Sky 117 (Scotland), Sky 169 (rest of UK), Sky Glass 121 (Scotland), Sky Glass 172 (Rest of UK), Virgin Media 120 (Scotland), Virgin Media 161 (rest of UK)

It is also available online on the BBC Alba iPlayer – https://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/bbcalba and BBC Alba YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/bbcalba.

For those who live outside of the UK and Ireland, you can watch this game live on the Scottish Rugby website.

Be There

It’s sure to a nail-biting game this weekend at Millbrae, don’t miss out and get your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: David Sutherland
AR 1: Finlay Brown
AR 2: David Changleng

Comments from the Coaches:

Pat McArthur (Ayrshire Bulls) said:

“Having set the goal of a home semi-final right from the start of the season, the players have worked hard to get here.

“We’ve now set our sights on returning to the Championship Final and the players will give it everything to make the home advantage count. The two teams know each other well and we expect a physical, full 80 minunte contest.”

Nikki Walker (Watsonians) said:

“We know Millbrae is always a tough place to play and the fans there can create a great atmosphere to play rugby in. It’s probably the most difficult place to go and get a win.

“The Bulls has a huge amount of playoff experience having been in every Super Series Final so far. As a team they know how to manage playoff games, so we’ll have to be at our best.”

Team Selections

Rescheduled Round 9 Fixture:  Friday 10 November: Boroughmuir Bears v FOSROC Future XV

The last regular league match will be played on Friday evening at Meggetland as Boroughmuir Bears welcome the FOSROC Future XV in the rescheduled Round 9 fixture, kick-off 7.35pm.

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

Be There

Support your team at Meggetland this weekend  – get your tickets here.

Match Officials

Ref: Finlay Brown
AR 1: Ciaran Stark
AR 2: Bob Nevins

Comments from the Coaches:

Graham Shiel (Boroughmuir Bears) said:

“Last game for the Bears in 2023 and we hope to be able to end the season with a better showing. There have been signs of improvement in patches over this season, but we have lacked consistency and accuracy to be able to compete consistently in the competition.

“The Future XV have had a similarly challenging season but have managed to find ways to remain competitive and use their opportunities to gain valuable preparation and experience prior to embarking on the next part of their journey as they prepare for the 2024, U20 Six Nations. It is great to be able to welcome the Future XV back to Meggetland for the last game of the Championship for both teams. With the Bears having a young squad tomorrow, it will see 30 U20 players on show!

“The Future XV contains some very talented young players who have had to transition into adult rugby at a high level, which has been tough. But as we all know the journey young players follow is very rarely smooth, so whilst tough, there has been important learning taking place which will prepare them for their rugby careers ahead, whatever that may hold.”

Scott Forrest (FOSROC Future XV) said:

“We were disappointed in large parts of our performance against Watsonians last weekend. We created a lot of opportunities and played the game in the right areas but ultimately our execution let us down.

“We know we will have to have one of our best performances of the season to compete against a Bears team who will be determined to finish their campaign with a win.”

Team Selections