Scottish Rugby’s X-Conference returns

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 27: Boroughmuir's Greg Abderson with a conversion during the Boys U-18 Cup Final between Boroughmuir and West of Scotland at BT Murrayfield Stadium, on March 27, 2022, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The conference structure will see teams play friendlies in a round-robin format across the day, offering the U17 boys’ squads the chance to challenge themselves against new opposition.

The event is designed to support young players access additional competition whilst supporting player integration from younger age-grade levels.

The event will also be utilising FOSROC Academy Super 4 Law Variations throughout the day. The introduction of this law variation will aim to support increased speed of the game, ball in play time and additional development opportunities.

Opting to participate this year are squads from: GHA, North Edinburgh Vikings, Boroughmuir, Stewart’s Melville College, Strathallan School and Robert Gordon’s College.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s event, Richard Lockhart, Boroughmuir’s U18’s Head Coach said: “This is a great opportunity to pull together boys from two age groups who will ultimately play together next season. The opportunity to play against schools as well as clubs is something the boys are really looking forward to. Doing so under the Academy Law Variations is an extra layer of positive challenge for the boys.”

Andrew Henderson, Director of Strathallan Rugby Academy added: “The X-Conference is a great initiative from Scottish Rugby. The last time we had the chance to take part was before covid and all our players loved the opportunity to play completely new teams from both the school and club conferences.

“It also allows coaches to look at some of the players who will be moving up to senior rugby and perhaps into 1XV sides. I hope the weather is good to us and we have another great day of rugby for the players to enjoy.”

All matches will take place on the main indoor pitch, where there is a seated viewing gallery that is accessible to everyone.

For anyone who wishes to attend the event, please register via Eventbrite, HERE.

Fixtures

10:00    GHA v North Edinburgh Vikings
10:25    Boroughmuir v Stewart’s Melville College
10:50    Robert Gordon’s College v Strathallan School
11:15    Stewart’s Melville College v GHA
11:40    North Edinburgh Vikings v Robert Gordon’s College
12:05    Strathallan School v Boroughmuir
12:30    GHA v Robert Gordon’s College
12:55    Stewart’s Melville College v Strathallan School
13:20    Boroughmuir v North Edinburgh Vikings
13:45    Strathallan School v GHA
14:10    Robert Gordon’s College v Boroughmuir
14:35    North Edinburgh Vikings v Stewart’s Melville College
15:00    GHA v Boroughmuir
15:25    Strathallan School v North Edinburgh Vikings
15:50    Stewart’s Melville College v Robert Gordon’s College