Scottish Rugby confirms Girls National Cup and Shield formats for 2023

The Girl’s U16 National Cup and Shield Competition shall be contested by the five teams from the inspiresport Girls National League Division 1 competition – Annan, Biggar, Dumfries Saints, Shetland and Stirling County.

The teams will play each other on a home and away basis with Round 1 taking place on 28/29 October.

In the Girl’s U18 National Cup and Shield Competition Biggar, Dumfries Saints, Garioch and Stirling County – the four teams currently participating in the inspiresport Girls National League Division 1 competition – will go head-to-head in three rounds of fixtures beginning on 4/5 November.

Across both age groups, the teams finishing their pool in first and second place will go on to compete for the National Cup title, with teams placed third and fourth contesting the National Shield.

All four Finals will be held at the annual Youth Finals event, set to take place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and Hive Stadium on Sunday 17 December.

Remaining U16 and U18 teams across the county will shortly hear from Scottish Rugby’s competitions team to create localised playing opportunities to ensure continued access to meaningful game time.

On the announcement, Vicky Cox, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Competitions and Compliance said: “We’re pleased to confirm the details for this year’s competitions. It has always been important that we create a format that is bespoke to the girls’ game as it continues to grow to ensure we can provide both meaningful and competitive game time for all.

“Once again, our Finals will be held at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and Hive Stadium. The opportunity to play rugby at the home of our National teams offers players a platform to experience something that few get to do and will no doubt inspire these young squads to get the most out of the occasion.”

All fixtures can be viewed on Scottish Rugby’s website, HERE.