FOSROC Super Series Sprint 2023 Guide to the Game | Playoffs

Friday 26 May: Ayrshire Bulls v Heriot’s Rugby

Our top two teams will battle it out for the FOSROC Super Series Sprint Winner’s title on Friday evening at Millbrae, kick-off 7.35pm.

Who will be victorious? Ayrshire Bulls or Heriot’s Rugby? 

How to watch

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

Be There

Secure your spot to attend the FOSROC Super Series Sprint decider in person at Millbrae. Get your tickets HERE.

Match Officials

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

Comments from the Coaches:

Pat McArthur (Ayrshire Bulls) said:

“One big weekend after another. Emotions will be high at Millbrae on Friday with the Sprint trophy on the line and it being Frazier Climo’s last game.

“Two weeks ago we saw the quality Heriot’s possess to come back to draw the game, discipline and concentrating for 80 minutes is key. The players are looking forward to the challenge, having an opportunity to play in a final is what we all strive for.

“Three changes in the starting line up with William Farquhar, Blair Jardine and Archie Smeaton starting in place of the unavailable Andrew Nimmo, Grant Stewart and Rory Jackson. Thomas Glendinning, who was unavailable last weekend, comes onto the bench replacing Chris Elliot and is joined by Ewan Bulger-Hamilton, Jamie Drummond and Tim Brown.”

Ben Cairns (Heriot’s Rugby) said:

“Last week we talked about making history by making a final for the first time at this level for our club. This week its about making the most of that opportunity.

“Both teams will have a really good idea of what is needed off the back of our match at Millbrae only a fortnight ago. The biggest difference between that meeting and this week is what is at stake. The team that can deal best with the inevitable pressure this brings will give themselves a really good chance of taking the title.

“Our biggest reflection from 2 weeks ago and indeed last week’s match was the need to start better. This will be huge for us if we are to have any chance of causing an upset.

“We know it’s a massive challenge to go away from home to win the title however we remain unbeaten since our defeat in Round 1 against Edinburgh A. We’ve come a long way since then and we will be doing all we can on Friday night to hold on to that unbeaten record.”

Team Selections

Saturday 27 May: Boroughmuir Bears v Southern Knights

This weekend we have our very own Super Series Saturday double header’s at Meggetland. Starting off with Boroughmuir Bears hosting Southern Knights in the 5th v 6th playoff position, kick-off 3pm.

How to watch

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

Be There

Don’t miss out on the action at Meggetland this weekend for our Super Series Saturday double headers. Get your tickets for this match HERE

Match Officials

Ref: Finlay Browne
AR 1: David Young
AR 2: Bob Nevins

Comments from the Coaches:

Graham Sheil (Boroughmuir Bears) said:

“A return fixture versus Southern Knights at Meggetland brings the curtain down on the Super Series Sprint competition for the Bears. We equipped ourselves reasonably well last week at The Greenyards in Round 6, but as ever lots of areas that we can improve as we evolve.

“Pleasing was, that we got out of the blocks well; however, we also let Southern Knights back into the game at regular intervals which made life tricky for us. Our second half performance, whilst not perfect, was composed and controlled as we made our replacements to close out a rare away victory.

“We are expecting another tough game this week and know how important the game is for both teams that they finish the Sprint with a morale boosting victory as we break ahead of the Championship.

“Messaging within the group remains the same, consistency in our performance, starting well and reducing the number of unforced errors that we make in games which affect the outcome of results. Important for the Bears is continued growth and progression within the group.”

Alan Tait (Southern Knights) said:

“We are really looking forward to the final game of the sprint series, 5th & 6th place playoff with Boroughmuir Bears.

“After last week’s run at the Greenyards we are eager to rectify the errors we made against the Bears. We have reviewed last week’s game thoroughly and after a couple of good training sessions we believe we are more than capable of finishing 5th. Everyone is keen to go and looking to finish on a high.”

Team Selections

Saturday 27 May: Watsonians v Stirling Wolves

The FOSROC Super Series Sprint concludes with our 3rd v 4th playoff between Watsonians and Stirling Wolves as both teams travel to Meggetland, kick-off 5pm.

How to watch

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

Be There

Come to cheer on your team this weekend at our Saturday double header at Meggetland. Get your tickets online HERE.

Match Officials

Ref: Jonny Perriam
AR 1: Michael Todd
AR 2: Ciaran Stark

Comments from the Coaches:

Stevie Scott (Watsonians) said:

“After the disappointment of last week it’s important this group of players finish the Sprint series with a good performance. We know Stirling will be hurting since the game we played up at Bridgehaugh and we fully expect Eddie & his coaches to have his squad fired up.

Eddie Pollock (Stirling Wolves) said:

“We were obviously disappointed with our performance and the result at Goldenacre last weekend. However, the squad has responded well and the quality of training this week has been excellent.

“Our games against Watsonians are always very competitive and I am sure both teams will be doing their level best to finish the sprint on a high. We know the quality of the opposition we are up against, but our sole focus will be on performing to the high standards we have set ourselves as a group during the Sprint Series, to give ourselves the best chance of gaining a positive result.”

Team Selections