🏉 Welcome to Your Weekly Rugby Round-Up! 🏉

Whether you were pitchside cheering in the rain or catching scores from the sidelines of life, this is your one-stop scroll for everything Penicuik Rugby.

From hard-fought tackles to rising stars, we’re diving into last week’s action and gearing up for the weekend ahead across all our sections.

It’s more than just match results—it’s the heartbeat of our club, our players, and our community.

So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s celebrate the grit, glory, and game we all love

Mailing List

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200 Club winners – October 2025

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🏉 Live International Rugby – This Weekend in the Clubhouse!

Join us this weekend

Sunday

1:40pm – Scotland v Tonga. (club open 12:30)

Lunch Thanks

Big shout out to our Panthers Girls sections who, after their games against Dunbar on Sunday, treated the club members to bacon rolls during the Scotland v Argentina games.

Very thoughtful and appreciated by all who tucked in

Beanie Hats

New Penicuik RFC Beanie Hats – Built for the Cold, Styled for the Club! 🧢

Winter in Penicuik doesn’t mess about — and neither do we. That’s why we’re excited to launch our brand new Penicuik RFC beanie hats, designed to keep you warm, proud, and pitch-side ready through the frostiest months.

Whether you’re coaching in the sleet, cheering from the touchline, or just braving the Tesco car park in sideways rain, these beanies are your perfect companion. Soft, snug, and stitched with club spirit, they’re ideal for players, parents, and proud supporters alike.

🎯 Why you need one:

• Keeps your head warm and your rugby heart visible

• Stylish enough for school runs, muddy boots, and clubhouse banter

• Great gift for teammates, coaches, or that one uncle who still claims he scored from halfway in ’94

Available now from the clubhouse or by messaging the club directly. Stocks are limited — and let’s be honest, so is Scottish sunshine.

Wrap up, show up, and represent Penicuik RFC in style. Because nothing says “rugby ready” like a beanie that’s seen a few scrums and survived a Hunters Festival.

*** All orders received will be notified once stock is received***

https://penicuikrugby.org/store/

Penicuik Young Team take over Murrayfield.

This December we are taking our Hunters, Panthers and Midi’s to Murrayfield to watch Edinburgh take on Glasgow in the 2nd leg of the 1872 Cup on Saturday 27th.

Coaches will leave and return back to the clubhouse on the day for players and families.

To register your seat and match ticket please speak to your youth coach or reach out to Gav Stephen directly.

Watch the video below for last seasons Murrayfield take over.

Yesterday, our very own Leigh Hogg swapped her high heels for desert boots and trekked across the Sahara Desert — all in support of CoppaFeel!, the UK’s youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity.

Leigh’s journey with CoppaFeel! began in 2016 with a preventative double mastectomy, and continues this year with a preventative oophorectomy. Her courage, humour, and determination have inspired many — and now she’s taking that spirit to the sand to raise awareness and funds for early detection.

“I figured walking on a scorching sandpit for days on end is a great way to prove I’m unstoppable.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Leigh’s challenge was bold, brave, and beautifully bonkers — just the way we like it at the club. Let’s show her the same support she’s shown others: donate, cheer, and share her story. Every bit of encouragement helps spread the life-saving message: check your bits, know your body, and speak up when something’s not right.

🎄✨ Penicuik’s Festive Parade Returns – Led by Our Own Alex Pettie! 🚜🎅

This Christmas, Penicuik will sparkle once again as Alex Pettie—former 1XV player, past club president, and this year’s Penicuik Citizen of the Year—takes the wheel of his decorated tractor to lead a dazzling parade of Christmas-lit vehicles (supported by the brilliant McKenzie Skip Hire) through the town. And yes, he’ll be pulling none other than Santa’s sleigh along the route!

The evening promises festive cheer and community spirit, all in aid of local charities. Our very own Penicuik RFC squads will be running alongside the parade with fundraising buckets—so every step, smile, and donation helps make a difference.

Mark your calendars, line the streets, and join us in celebrating Alex’s incredible effort. Let’s show him the same support he’s given our club and community over the years.

Click below to relive the magic with highlights from last year’s parade, and get ready to make this year even brighter!

Clubhouse Bookings

Please note we have Christmas Parties booked on the following Fridays

Friday 5th Dec – Bingo, Baubles & Bubbles with Kirsty Hamilton Beauty (tickets available via KHB)

Friday 12th Dec – Cuiken Primary School

Friday 19th Dec – Midi’s & Rugby Coaches.  Coaches are welcome from 8:30pm and speak to Stuart Hogg if interested in attending.

Archive Photo

Thanks to Graham Blaikie who shared this Penicuik Squad from 1994.

Unlike today’s squads of 23, only 17 players were selected leaving 2 subs to cover 15 positions which led to multi talented positional players.

This group of players features 6 former 1xv captains, 2 Scotland U18 capped players and were coached by a Scotland Grand Slam Captain.

Who’d be your starting XV in this team?

Squad :

BR – J.Aitken, D.Leadbetter (capt), D.Goodall, S.Comerford, A.Cooper, A.MacKintosh, P.Rennie, A.Watt, I.Love, D.Mathieson

FR – D.Sinclair, G.Watson, I.MacDonald, G.Blaikie, N.Abernethy, D.Zavaroni, A.Leadbetter, S.Hogg

MacWood Fuels Player Points

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, Penicuik RFC’s attack has kept the scoreboard glowing all season long. Thanks to Macwood Fuels—suppliers of kiln dry logs, stave and kindling for your home fires—we’re proud to highlight the players who’ve lit up the pitch with their points-scoring power.

From scorching tries to cool-headed kicks, every score has added fuel to the fire of Penicuik pride. Just like Macwood’s logs, our players have kept the heat burning strong week after week.

So whether it’s warming your hearth at home or heating up the scoreboard at the weekend, remember:

All we need is fuel… Macwood Fuels! https://www.macwoodfuels.com

Biggest mover this week is U14 second row Ewan Hale (Grandson of legendary Gala & Penicuik second row (big)Tom Tait) with a hat-trick at the weekend.

This Season

Tries : 64

Cons : 35

Pens : 7

Total : 413pts

Winter Training

With the usual Penicuik Winter now in place our teams have made arrangements to continue their rugby journeys.

Panthers : Wednesday training is inside Glencorse Centre 7:30pm

Hunters : Wednesday P1-3 are inside Penicuik Centre 6pm – 7pm.  Where possible our P4-7 will continue outside, however on occasions such as last Wednesday all our Hunters will move into the Centre.

Being inside allows us to develop our ball handling skills in dry, warm conditions.  Check the video below for our Hunters training on Wednesday evening inside the Penicuik Centre.

Last Weekend

Hunters vs Leith – Sunday Morning Rugby Fun

What a fantastic morning of rugby we had as our Hunters took on Leith last Sunday! Despite both squads being a little short on numbers (thanks to the Scotland game at Murrayfield later in the day), the energy on the pitch was anything but lacking.

• Our P1–3s kicked things off with rugby-themed games that had them running, laughing, and learning the basics in the most joyful way. Their smiles were as wide as Murrayfield itself.

• The older Hunters showed grit and determination with spirited runs, tackles, passes, and tries. Every play was a reminder that rugby is about teamwork, courage, and fun.

• Both sides gave it their all, proving that even with fewer players, the game can still be full of excitement and camaraderie.

And of course, none of this would be possible without our sponsors, Oval 4×4. Just like their expertise in keeping Land Rovers and Jaguars running smoothly, they help keep our Hunters firing on all cylinders. You could say our youngsters were tackling challenges with Jaguar-like agility and driving forward with Land Rover-level toughness.

It was a morning where the kids weren’t just playing rugby—they were building confidence, friendships, and memories. A true reminder that rugby at this age is less about the scoreboard and more about the joy of the game

🏆 Players of the Match (fully MOT’d and roadworthy):

• P1/2 – Quinn Gorman

• P3 – Thea Lambie

• P4 – Daniel Hunter

• P5 – Murray

• P6 – Harris Scott

• P7 – Kerr Scott :

Each of these young players showed the kind of drive and determination that would make any engine roar — well done!

Why Youth Rugby Matters

Rugby isn’t just about tries and tackles — it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and resilience. It teaches kids how to handle bumps in the road, support their teammates, and push through the mud — on and off the pitch. Whether they’re shy or full throttle, every child finds their gear in rugby.

And with support from community champions like Oval 4×4, we’re helping the next generation of players stay on track, stay connected, and stay inspired.

Click below for some highlights of last Sunday against Leith

This Weekend

This Sunday we welcome Dalkeith to Montgomery Park for a Midlothian Derby.

At present the matches are ON.. and we will issue a communication on Saturday if that changes given the current winter climate.

Meet time is 10:30am for a 11am ko.  The Scrum n try Cafe will be open inside the lounge for hot drinks and rolls with player food available after full time.

Why not stay and enjoy Scotland v Tonga at 1:40pm in the clubhouse

Please note our fixture next week is now AWAY to portobello

Fixtures Coming Up

30th Nov – Portobello (a)

7th Dec – Corstorphine (a)

14th Dec – Xmas Party

Coming Up

Dates For Your Diary

14th Dec : Hunters Christmas Party – details to follow

Last Weekend

🐾 Panthers x Dunbar – Sunday Sparkle

Sunday brought a fantastic collaboration between our Panthers and Dunbar, with a combined training session and game that was full of energy, skill, and fun.

• We kicked things off with warm-up games like kabaddi and Mario Karts, setting the tone with laughter and teamwork.

• The girls then got stuck into ruck skill drills, before polishing things off with passing exercises—working hard to push the ball through under pressure.

• When the main event arrived, the Panthers shone across all three 10-minute thirds. There was powerful direct running, clever offloads off the floor and out of tackles, and plenty of determination. 👏👏👏

• A big focus was placed on securing the ball at the breakdown, and the improvement throughout the games was clear to see. Both teams produced some sparkling attacking rugby, with confidence in contact growing every minute. 👌

Special mention goes to Emma, who was outstanding—carrying hard, tackling bravely, slotting in a tidy kick, and finishing with a superb try. A fully deserved Panther of the Week! 🐆

And just as important as the rugby, it was brilliant to see the girls mixing in the clubhouse afterwards, building friendships and enjoying the social side of the game. Credit to both clubs for creating such a welcoming environment.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, Perfect Clean, who help keep our Panthers looking sharp. Just like their ability to scrub away the toughest challenges, our girls swept aside obstacles with spotless teamwork, sparkling effort, and polished performances.

For parents watching, it was clear: rugby with the Panthers isn’t just about sport—it’s about confidence, resilience, and fun. If your daughter is looking for a team where she can shine, the Panthers are ready to welcome her.

This Weekend

Panthers on the Prowl – Girls Rugby Evolution Series This Weekend!

 Sponsored by Perfect Clean – keeping our rugby spotless and our standards sky-high!

This Sunday, our fierce and fabulous Panthers take some time back fro recent game exploits and will be training at home 1pm.  If there are changes we will communicate in good time

Coming Up

Dates For Your Diary

20th Dec : Xmas Party

Last Weekend

Penicuik U14 vs Royal High – Midi Match Report

Saturday saw Penicuik U14s showcase exceptional teamwork and attacking flair in a high-octane friendly against a well-matched Royal High side. For only their second run-out as a team, the boys delivered a performance full of spirit, skill, and determination—proof that rugby is the perfect sport for building confidence and camaraderie.

First Half: Trading Blows

Royal High struck first with a converted try, but Penicuik weren’t about to let the game slip away. Ewan crossed for the opener, followed by a strong finish from Sam B, converted by Calan. Ewan then added his second, with Calan once again slotting the extras. Penicuik’s attacking play was sharp and clinical, showing how quickly the boys are learning to work together.

Royal High responded before the break with three tries of their own, two converted, edging ahead in what was a fiercely contested half. With numbers tight, both sides agreed to play two extended halves, ensuring plenty of rugby for all involved.

Second Half: The Finishing Flair

The second half was just as thrilling. Sam C produced a moment of individual brilliance—chipping ahead, chasing hard, and gathering the bounce to score a superb try. Ewan then completed a well-deserved hat-trick, with Calan keeping his conversion record spotless.

Royal High found late momentum, running in two converted tries to stretch their lead. But Penicuik had the final say, with Reuben powering over for a last-minute score that capped off an exciting contest.

Sponsored by McKenzie Skip Hire

A huge thank you to our sponsors, McKenzie Skip Hire, who help keep the Midi’s moving forward. Just like their skips clear away the clutter, our boys cleared the breakdowns, dumped tackles where they belonged, and never let their spirit be thrown away. You could say their teamwork was rubbish-free, their effort overflowed with energy, and their determination was too big to skip.

This was a performance that showed rugby is about more than tries—it’s about resilience, teamwork, and fun. Parents watching from the sidelines saw boys growing in confidence, learning to support one another, and enjoying every minute. If your son is looking for a sport that builds character, friendships, and fitness, the Penicuik Midi squad is the perfect place to start.

This Week

With the game on Sunday cancelled, our Women’s side went out for some team bonding instead.  Thanks to https://www.edenrockclimbing.com/edinburgh-home for hosting the ladies.

Click below for some of the fun they had.

Penicuik Women’s Rugby – Frozen Pitch, Fierce Spirit

When the pitch is frozen but the team spirit isn’t, you know you’re part of something special. 🥶💪

On Wednesday, while Penicuik was blanketed in snow and ice, our women’s squad proved that nothing can stop us from training, laughing, and pushing each other forward. Whether it’s tackling drills, fitness, or just keeping warm with plenty of banter, the energy never drops.

We’re more than a rugby team—we’re a friendly, upbeat, and diverse squad where every woman is welcome, whether you’ve played before or are picking up a ball for the very first time. Rugby with us is about building confidence, fitness, and friendships that last long after the final whistle.

So if you’re looking for a sport that keeps you active, a team that makes you feel included, and a chance to be part of something that thrives even when the ground is frozen solid, come join Penicuik Women’s Rugby.

👉 Training continues whatever the weather, because our spirit is unbreakable.

👉 No experience needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a go.

👉 Expect laughs, support, and plenty of muddy boots along the way.

Penicuik Women’s Rugby: where the ice melts, but the team spirit never does.

1xv

This Week

2xv