GHA prepare to welcome Glasgow Hawks for Glasgow derby

With local bragging rights at stake, both sides will be determined to make their mark in a fixture that carries significance beyond the league table. GHA currently sit seventh, having recorded two wins so far this season, while Glasgow Hawks arrive looking to end a run of seven consecutive defeats and secure their first victory of the campaign. 

Despite the difference in recent results, GHA Director of Rugby Operations Calum Forrester knows his side cannot afford to underestimate their local rivals. 

“We are really looking forward to welcoming Glasgow Hawks to Braidholm this Saturday for what promises to be an exciting Glasgow derby,” he said. 

“The Arnold Clark Premiership has been fiercely competitive this season, with every team capable of beating the other. Unfortunately, we have found ourselves on the wrong side of a few narrow defeats, results that could easily have gone our way on another day. 

“However, we know the quality and threat that Glasgow Hawks possess, regardless of their current league position and our players and coaches are under no illusions about the challenge ahead. We are expecting a physical contest and are looking forward to testing ourselves this weekend.” 

GHA have shown plenty of promise throughout a competitive start to the season but have been left frustrated by narrow defeats against Kelso RFC and Watsonian FC. They will be eager to turn those performances into results on home soil, while Hawks will see Saturday’s derby as an opportunity to build confidence with a first win. 

The weekend’s occasion will extend beyond the pitch, too, with more than 170 guests booked in for GHA’s annual Old Aloysians’ Lunch. The event will add to the atmosphere at Braidholm as the club welcomes its neighbours for one of the standout fixtures in the west of Scotland rugby calendar. 

“We are really looking forward to testing ourselves this weekend,” Forrester added, with the club hoping home advantage and strong support can help them deliver a performance to match the occasion. 

While Saturday’s derby is the immediate focus, GHA continue to make progress across the wider club, with participation and player development central to their plans. 

September saw the club host a series of welcome sessions to encourage more boys and girls to take up rugby. A targeted Primary 1 recruitment campaign, supported by bring-a-friend invitations and engagement from players across the club, has helped grow the P1 section to more than 50 participants. 

GHA are also strengthening links throughout their internal player pathway, with Premiership players coaching the midi sections and midi players supporting the minis. Youth players can access individual development plans and use Veo match footage to identify strengths and areas for improvement alongside the Director of Youth Pathway. 

The club continues to field three senior men’s teams each Saturday, while its youth sides compete in the Open Competition. GHA are also working to grow their women’s and girls’ rugby programmes through a series of successful sessions aimed at attracting and developing more players. 

Reflecting on the wider progress, Forrester said: 

“We are thoroughly enjoying our second season back in the Arnold Clark Premiership and there is plenty of positive progress across the wider club. 

“We are consistently fielding three senior men’s teams each Saturday, while our youth squads are embracing the challenge of competing in the Open Competition. We have also hosted a number of successful women’s and girls’ rugby sessions as we look to grow participation and develop these programmes further. 

“There is a real sense of momentum around the club, both on and off the pitch and we are excited about what lies ahead.” 

The Scottish Rugby Match of the Week will be broadcast live on the Scottish Rugby YouTube Channel, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm. 

Melrose Rugby face their second consecutive Border derby this weekend as they travel to Poynder Park to take on Kelso RFC. Following last week’s victory over Hawick RFC, Melrose will be looking to maintain their place at the top of the table. Kelso, meanwhile, currently sit in mid-table and will be eager to halt Melrose’s momentum as they look to strengthen their own play-off hopes. 

Elsewhere, second-placed Ayr RFC host third-placed Currie Chieftains at Millbrae in a key Premiership clash. Both sides will be looking to close the gap on Melrose, with Currie also holding a game in hand, adding extra importance to this weekend’s encounter. 

At Goldenacre, Heriot’s Rugby Men welcome local rivals Edinburgh Accies for a derby clash, while Watsonian FC make the trip to Mansfield Park to face Hawick RFC.