After playing in the first three rounds of the competition the professional A teams bow out to allow the six Super Series license teams to continue in the Sprint format for the remaining rounds.

Grant McKelvey, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Performance Programmes said: “Having teams from Scotland’s professional sides involved in the FOSROC Super Series Sprint provided the current six license teams the opportunity to challenge themselves against a new and different opposition.

“We are committed to providing more high-performance opportunities for players, coaches and match officials throughout Super Series Rugby. As the pro-sides take a step back from the competition it has given our aspirant players involved an opportunity to face up and test themselves against players from the full-time professional environment.

“It has also provided an opportunity for our match officials to also gain invaluable experience within a slightly different game context offering up different challenges to them over the past three rounds of fixtures.”

Pete Horne, Glasgow Warriors A Head Coach reflected on their involvement in the first three rounds saying:

“At our opening FOSROC Super Series Sprint game against Ayrshire Bulls there was a massive crowd down at Millbrae which really added to the atmosphere and excitement. It was good for our younger players to gain experience playing games with that level of attendance and engagement.

“The physicality of the games was incredible and getting to play really good competitive games was a great way for our players to express themselves.”

Pat MacArthur, Ayrshire Bulls Head Coach commented on how the involvement of the pro-sides in the FOSROC Super Series Sprint has helped players with professional aspirations see the player pathway open to them:

“The involvement of the pro-sides has lifted the quality of the game by allowing players to measure themselves against the professionals and see what improvements and qualities they need to work on.”

These comments were echoed by Heriot’s Rugby Head Coach, Ben Cairns who said:

“Ultimately a large proportion of our squad still have pro ambitions, so for them to see what it takes first hand has been a big positive.

“A key target for us is to get as many players as possible coming through our environment and earning pro-opportunities. We talk about the FOSROC Super Series being a great shop window for our young ambitious players and what better shop window than to go up against the pro back up sides.”

The FOSROC Super Series Sprint continues with the six licenced teams completing the Sprint league format with three more rounds to accrue table points before the play-offs in the final weekend in May. All points accrued from all games will determine the final play off placings.

Round four this weekend will see Watsonians travelling to Brigdehaugh on Friday night to face Stirling Wolves (kick-off 7.35pm). In addition to the two Saturday games where we will see Boroughmuir Bears welcome Heriot’s Rugby to Meggetland (kick-off 3pm) and Ayrshire Bulls take on Southern Knights (kick-off 5pm).

For more information on where to watch the remaining FOSROC Super Series Sprint fixtures, click HERE.