National Youth Cup Finals Preview

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 15: Stirling players celebrate at full time during the National Youth Cup Finals at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on December 15, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

U18 Boys Shield Final: Stirling County v Peebles – Hive Stadium (kick-off 11.30am)

The U18 Boys Shield contests sees the return of Peebles who will be looking to retain the title following their 40-33 win against West of Scotland last year.

Stirling County will be tough opponents for the Borders’ side, with the side cruising to a 38-19 victory in their semi-final fixture against Melrose.

Peebles U18 captain, Liam Irvine, said: “The quarter-final win against Aberdeen Wanderers led us to another Border derby and a semi-final against Kelso, which was a good flowing game and saw Peebles coming out on top. The team and club are excited to be back at Hive Stadium for the Shield final against another top tier side in Stirling County. We’re looking forward to enjoying the day, putting in a top performance with a near full strength team and to see what we can do in the final.

“The squad loves challenging themselves against different teams, so playing and experiencing rugby at a high level and having the opportunity to play at Hive Stadium is really exciting for everyone. The squad is all from Peebles High School with most of us having played rugby together through Peebles Piranhas, High School and Peebles Rugby Club.”

Stirling County U18 coach, Allan Dell, said: “I’m really excited for the boys to go out there and represent themselves and this club with pride. They are a hard-working squad and I’m happy that they get to experience a final at Hive Stadium.”

U16 Girls Shield Final: Highland v Stewartry – Pitch 1 (kick-off 11.30am)

In the first of the U16 fixtures of the day, Highland will take on Stewartry as both teams aim to lift the U16 Girls Shield.

Highland’s semi-final clash saw the side enjoy a high try-scoring contest against Falkirk which resulted in a 69-20 victory, while Stewartry defeated Strathendrick 38-19 in a comprehensive win for the side.

Ahead of the final, Highland U16 captain, Cailtin Rose, said: “We have put in so much hard work and effort to get here. It means a lot as we’ve only be in this league for two years. Win or lose I’m incredible proud of the team and everything we have achieved so far.”

Highland coach, Michael Rose, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the commitment and dedication shown by the team over the last two seasons. We’ve covered a huge mileage on the A9 with early starts getting to games in time and the girls never complain.  Getting to this stage to the competition is a huge achievement alone.”

Stewartry U16 captain, Maria McMiken, said: “I am so proud of how hard this team has worked to get to the Shield final and have the opportunity to play at the home of Scottish Rugby.  It’s been such a privilege to captain this team of girls, and we just can’t wait for kick-off.”

Stewartry coach, Ralph Spernagel, continued: “It’s great to feel the buzz around the team, the club and the local community in advance of the U16 Shield final at Murrayfield.

“The progress that the girls have made over the course of this season is fantastic to see, with experienced and brand-new players coming together as a team and really enjoying their rugby journey.

“We’re really looking forward to the finals day and the opportunity for the girls to have an amazing experience.  I also want to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, parents and club staff for their assistance and support for the team.  Also, it’s important to give a special mention for injured players who will unfortunately be unable to take part in the final.”

U16 Boys Cup Final: Melrose v Stirling County – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 11.30am)

A thrilling encounter awaits in the U16 Boys School Cup Final as Melrose battle Stirling County in the hopes of lifting the coveted trophy.

The semi-finals for both sides saw two incredibly close encounters, with Melrose clinching a 27-21 victory against Dumfries Saints and Stirling County recording a 33-33 draw against Boroughmuir, with the side progressing to the final through application of criteria contained in National Competition Rule 8.4.2.

Looking ahead to the final, Stirling County U16 captain, Josh Olds, said: “This group has worked hard all season and reaching the final is a big achievement. We’ve grown as a team on and off the field, and we’re proud of the journey that has brought us here, Winning would mean everything to us. We also want to acknowledge our coaches with their guidance and dedication to help us reach where we are today.”

Stirling County coach, Russell Tod, added: “The aim at the start of this season was for every member of the squad to reach their potential and enjoy the experience. Getting the opportunity to play in the Cup final at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is another opportunity for the whole squad to create memories and share in the experience with friends and family.

“We are looking forward to playing Melrose Wasps in the final and hopefully both teams perform to their potential and enjoy the experience.”

Melrose U16 captain, Finlay Mitchell, also shared his excitement ahead of the contest: “I’m really excited to lead the team out at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. It’s not luck that we’re here. We’ve had a huge focus on being hard to beat and our defensive efforts in the last two rounds of the Cup have set the tone for us to kick on. We hope to see a huge black and yellow following at Scottish Gas Murrayfield to drive us on.”

Melrose coach, Cameron Shand, added: “The players in this group have all committed to a journey together and you can see from the last two rounds of the Cup that the community are right behind us.

“Our school and youth programmes including the Breadalbane Rugby Academy and EHS DPP programme are now at a point where we’re competitive across the board and you can see that from the quality of player that has come up from the U15 to enhance our squad. These players have an opportunity to make history for Melrose Wasps and the wider Earlston High School catchment area. Regardless of the result in the final, we’re so proud of who the boys have become and what they’ve achieved but we back ourselves to lift the Cup with this group.”

U16 Girls Cup Final: Dundee Rugby Club v Stirling County – Hive Stadium (kick-off 1.30pm)

Another keenly contested final will take place at Hive Stadium, as Dundee take on Stirling County in the U16 Girls Cup Final.

Dundee secured their place in the final following a 14-32 away win against Dumfries Saints, while Stirling County overpowered Cambuslang 12-57 in their semi-final.

Dundee U16 captain, Myfanwy Riches, gave her thoughts ahead of the final, saying: “I’m beyond proud of our U16s girls squad at Dundee Rugby Club this season, every one of my teammates have given well over 100% effort and dedication to their performance on and off the pitch. We have an amazing coaching team behind us, who committed to our rugby development, and are so supportive and driven to see us succeed.

“Last season we made it to the shield final and unfortunately were defeated by just 1 point. This year we finished top of Caledonia/East conference of the National league and have made it to the National cup final. As a squad, coaches included, our hard work and determination has well and truly brought us to where we set out to be!”

Dundee coach, Owen Hughes, continued: “As a parent and coach of the U16 Girls’ team at Dundee Rugby Club I am very proud of what these players have achieved by reaching the National Youth Cup Finals at Hive Stadium.

“They have worked extremely hard, with twice weekly training sessions that have allowed them to hone their personal and team skills. They have developed significantly as a team this season and they are a credit to themselves.  I would like to thank the vast number of volunteers that are now involved with the girls’ squads at Dundee Rugby Club and their efforts to ensure the growth of rugby in Dundee and Scotland.”

Stirling County U16 captain, Heather Wood, said: “At the start of the season, we didn’t even know if we would have enough players for a team. The girls have been putting in a lot of effort and it is amazing to have come this far and play in the final at Murrayfield. We can’t wait to get out there and give it our best.”

Stirling County coach, Al Wilson, added: “We’re delighted to be in the final and playing a very strong Dundee side, by far, the biggest test yet. We can’t wait to see the girls give it their all on the big stage. Work hard, look after your mates, and most importantly, have fun. Let’s go County!”

U16 Boys Shield Final: West of Scotland v Highland – Pitch 1 (kick-off 3.45pm)

In the U16 Boys Shield Final, West of Scotland go head-to-head against Highland Eagles.

Both teams endured highly competitive fixtures in the semi-finals, with West of Scotland narrowly defeating Dalziel (12-15) and Highland securing their place by one-point with a 20-19 win against GHA.

West of Scotland U16 captain, Peter Mellor, said: “I’m really proud of all the coaches and players. The fact that we’re playing in a final shows the type of people we are, especially since over the last two seasons there have been days when things haven’t gone to plan. I think we’ve also definitely improved a lot as well. Overall, really excited to be playing in a final. I know everyone else feels the same way, and I also know that everyone will give it 100 percent.”

West of Scotland coach, Fraser Sinclair, added: “Like all other coaches here on Finals Day, we just want the players to play to their potential. If they do that, they will have no regrets and remember this day for many years to come.”

Highland U16 captain, Cameron Hampton, said: “We had an unbelievable semi-final match against GHA at Home, and the team are buzzing to be at Scottish Gas Murrayfield for the final. Our Boys have a fantastic team spirit and have worked hard to get here. Let’s go Highland!”

Highland coach, Morris Dillon, added: “After a fantastic performance and result against GHA in the semi-final at home, we are all unbelievably excited about the final at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and there is a really positive energy around the squad and the coaches. This is a massive achievement for all at Highland Rugby Club, with the U16 Girls also making the Shield Final.”

U18 Girls Shield Final: Stirling County v Preston Lodge – Hive Stadium (kick-off 3.45pm)

Stirling County will face Preston Lodge at Hive Stadium as both sides aim to lift the silverware in the U18 Girls Shield Final.

Speaking ahead of the contest, Stirling County U18 captain, Emma Anderson, said: “It has been a tough season for everyone getting to the final, but every single person who is part of county has put in so much effort to get to where we are now. Whether that is as a player, a coach or a parent.  We have really come together as a team this year, building connections both on and off the pitch which is highlighted on how we play as a team, everyone is as important as each other and has an impact on the pitch.

“It would mean everything to end this season on a high note, as for some of the girls this is the first time they are representing county in a final. It would be amazing to come out with a win on Sunday.”

Stirling County coach, Ross Haddow, added: “Sunday at Hive Stadium feels like the perfect way to round off the first half of the season – a chance to come together with family and friends and celebrate the journey so far. The players have made great progress, shown real character, and come together brilliantly as a squad. It’s been a genuine pleasure to coach them, and I’m excited to see how they express themselves this weekend.”

Preston Lodge U18 captain, Erin Rowley, said: “Reaching the U18 Shield Final at Hive Stadium has been a massive achievement for every single player in our team and I couldn’t be prouder. We have worked through injuries, challenges and setbacks but kept pushing ourselves to the max.

“Standing at Hive Stadium with my teammates will feel like the best reward after all the hard work we have put in this season. Every single player at Preston Lodge should be so proud of all the things they have contributed to our team this season. Whatever happens, we have grown together and accomplished something incredibly special.”

Preston Lodge coach, Adam Crozier, continued: “The girls are really excited for the opportunity to play at Hive Stadium. Obviously, our Cup run didn’t end in the way we wanted it to at the hands of a very strong Dunfermline team, and I would like to wish them the best in their final against Biggar.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of playing against Stirling County at Hive Stadium, we know they are a very strong side, and we know exactly what they will bring, but we’re excited to have the chance to right some wrongs from our last meeting with them! We’ve been working hard on the training field for the last few weeks and can’t wait for the chance to show off what we can do.”

U18 Girls Cup Final: Biggar v Dunfermline – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 3.45pm)

The international pitch at Scottish Gas Murrayfield will host the U18 Girls Cup Final, as Biggar take on Dunfermline.

Biggar booked their place in the final with a 14-0 win against Stirling County, while Dunfermline secured a convincing 56-15 win against Preston Lodge.

Biggar U18 captain, Lilly Clarkson, said: “Half this team lost to Stirling in the U18’s Cup Final, the other half lost to Cambuslang in the U16’s last year. We’re just glad to be back and have the opportunity to try to do better.”

Biggar coach, Richard Mellanby, added: “The whole club is very excited that the U18 team have an opportunity to play in the iconic Scottish Gas Murrayfield stadium again. We are looking forward to an exciting and competitive game against a very talented Dunfermline.”

Dunfermline U18 captain, Emma Martin, said: “Getting to play in Murrayfield is like a reward for how hard we have all worked together to get there. Being given the opportunity to compete for the top prize in Scottish girls’ rugby is amazing. It’s a huge privilege for us since it is the first time for everyone, we are thrilled!”

Dunfermline coach, Nick Mathieson, continued: “The Cup final is an experience the girls will never forget. They have worked hard all season, coming together from four different clubs to form one team and to reach the final is just amazing. For some, this is their final year in youth rugby and they thought they would never get this opportunity – now it’s here.”

U18 Boys Cup Final: Boroughmuir v Ayr – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 5.45pm)

Boroughmuir and Ayr will take centre stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield as the sides compete in the U18 Boys Cup Final.

Boroughmuir’s journey to the final included a 33-21 victory against capital rivals, Currie Chieftains, while Ayr brushed past Highland Eagles to secure a convincing 5-55 win.

Looking ahead to the final, Boroughmuir U18 captain, Eliot Ibarra-Craig, said: “The team has worked incredibly hard to reach this final, and along the way we’ve built a bond that makes us fight for more than just ourselves. I know every single one of the boys will give everything to win the U18 Cup.”

Boroughmuir coach, Richie Lockhart, added: “We’re hugely excited to be playing on the big pitch in the final. Boroughmuir U18 may have been here before but this squad haven’t, so I’m sure the nerves will be up but so will the positive energy. It’s been a tough season but loads of lessons learned and things are on the up at training and on the pitch, especially based on the way the boys played in the semi-final. Looking forward to a great day!”

Ayr U18 captain, Cameron McGarey, is also relishing the chance to run out at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, saying: “Reaching the Cup final means a lot to myself and all the boys.  It is the outcome of a lot of hard work put in week-on-week.  After a tough start to the season, the strength of our squad was shown to fight back and get us to this position to run out on the main pitch at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, where I’m sure we will put out a performance we can be proud of.”

Ayr coach, Frazier Climo, continued: “A huge amount of effort and commitment from everyone involved in the last 12 months has resulted in an opportunity to play on the biggest stage.

“For the boys that are lucky enough to be involved this weekend it has been a dream of all of theirs to play at Murrayfield and now they get an opportunity to do it with a group of players that have become great mates.”