Rugby Roundup

🏉 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 – September 2025

Gordon Alston

We regret to inform our members of the passing of former member Gordon Alston following a long illness.  Gordon was a member for a long spell in the 1980’s & 90’s as well as Peebles RFC.

After retiring from Lothian & Borders Police, Gordon spent a considerable time at the Scottish Rugby Union as an administrative assistance, many of the international player rugby shirts in our collection were donated to the club through Gordon and we are looking at ways to have these put back on display.

Gordon’s funeral is on Friday 10th. October at Mortonhall Crematorium followed by a tea at Glencorse Golf Club

Club Shop

Our club shop has been given a summer make over with a range of new kit and accessories.  We now have additional range of items for our Panthers, Women’s side and the club as a whole.

Click here to view the full range – XXV Club Shop

Men’s Six Nations Away Games 2026

We are now able to accept applications for tickets for the 2026 Six Nations Away games, please see the link below for full details

https://penicuikrugby.org/international-tickets/

A Members Ask.

We have an incredible opportunity to rally behind one of our own. Archie, the son of long standing members Ross & Claire, is bravely taking on a 5K walk in his frame to raise funds for his future. Living with cerebral palsy, this challenge is no small feat—but his determination is nothing short of inspiring.

Let’s show our support by contributing to the fundraising effort and cheering him on every step of the way. Whether it’s a donation, sharing the event, or simply being there to encourage him, every gesture counts.

Together, we can help make a meaningful difference in his journey

For full details and to donate click –

Archie

Club Point Scorers

After 3 weeks of rugby, U14 scrum half Logan McCreath leads the points with 25 following his double on Wednesday evening at the Hive Stadium against Corstorphine (report at Midi section).  2xv standoff Ally McMcCormick is bumped to 2nd with 22pts

Joining the 2 try club is Bill Seru, who joins his countrymen Orisi & Kolinion on 10pts alongside Craig Doyle and Luke Randall.  With no 2xv fixture this weekend the 1xv players could start to make a mark in the points.

This season the club has scored 23 tries, 14 conversions and 3 penalties..still no drop goal scored by the club since before the 2016 season.

This Week

🌞 What a Day! Hunters Festival of Mini Rugby 2025 🏉

Last Sunday, under glorious sunshine, we welcomed over 400 young rugby stars to our annual Hunters Festival of Mini Rugby, proudly sponsored by Greenstone Energy Solutions — and what a day it was!

From first whistle to final try, the pitches were alive with energy, teamwork, and smiles. Whether it was a diving tackle, a speedy run, or a high-five after a hard-fought match, every moment reminded us why rugby is such a brilliant sport for kids.

💚 A massive THANK YOU to:

• Everyone who set up and packed down

• Our amazing referees and pitch marshals

• The kitchen crew who kept us fed and smiling

• The cake sellers who sweetened the day

• And of course, all the visiting teams, players, coaches, and families who made the festival so special

If you’re a parent looking for a sport that builds confidence, friendships, and resilience, mini rugby might just be the perfect fit. Come join the Hunters family — where fun, teamwork, and muddy knees are all part of the adventure!

📸 Keep an eye out for photos from the day — we’ve got some cracking shots to share! Until them click and watch a highlights video below

This Weekend

Boots on, Game On! 🏉🥾 On Saturday, 27th September at 12:15pm, our fearless Hunters are swapping rugby boots for hiking boots as they take on the stunning Pentland Hills in a challenge that’s as inspiring as it is scenic.

We’re rallying support to raise funds for our youth section—every penny goes toward new equipment designed to sharpen their rugby skills and fuel their passion for the game.

Our youngest adventurers (P1–P3) will conquer the summit of Turnhouse and return back to the Flotterstone, while our older trailblazers (P4–P7) will tackle a 6-mile trek from Flotterstone, up Turnhouse, across to Carnethy, down the saddle, and all the way back to the rugby club to welcome the 1xv take on Corstorphine.

If you’ve got a few coins hiding in the sofa—or just want to back our brilliant kids—please reach out to any of our Hunters Coaches for a sponsorship form.

Every bit of support helps them go further, both on the hills and on the pitch!

Sunday

It’s a Midlothian derby as our Hunters make the short trip to Hawthornden to tackle Lasswade.  It’s a 10:30am meet with a 11am kick off.  Parking is available on Rosewell Road and Polton Avenue Road

This Week

Sunday

Fantastic day today- the sun even made an appearance for us.  ☀️ 

Crazy to think that this time last year there was no girls rugby beyond p7 and today we had 19 girls to training. Albeit some of them were bribed…. Fantastic to see so many new faces down and hopefully we can hold on to a couple. 

We started with a warm up including some mobility, agility drill and sprints 

We then moved on to some relay races with and without the ball and working on speed and core strength. 💨 💪 

We got the ball in our hands with some passing games. Then into a big touch game with all the girls doing really well.  🏉 

Finished the day with a cross bar challenge.  I think both Esme and Elsa “Bam Bam” hit it!!💥 

Well done to Elsa “Bam Bam” on panther of the week. 🐆 much deserved for her constant effort and enthusiasm 

Thanks again to Josh and Sarah for helping coach. And to Carly for helping organise the sweets and prizes. And to all the parents for chipping in. Team behind the team 🙌🙌🙌

Click below for some training videos

Wednesday

After hosting Peebles in May for a cracking joint session, we were chuffed to return the favour and head to their turf for round two — and what a night it was!

The session was led by Rachel Law, this was fantastic to see as Rachel started her rugby journey with Penicuik mini’s then had to leave to play rugby elsewhere as we had no girls section at that time.  From the mini’s she has represented clubs leading to league and cup wins as captain,  representing Edinburgh and also Scotland aged grade.

For once our coaches got to kick back and watch the girls shine. From a lively warm-up to slick handling drills and a game of 10-touch, the energy was top notch.

Then came the main event — a 10-a-side match (plus 3 subs) where every player stepped up. Huge shoutout to Eva for her comeback from injury, and to Elli who absolutely smashed her first ever contact game! We saw some brilliant team tries, dazzling solo runs, and plenty of grit. Still work to do on possession, rucking, tackling, and defensive shape — but the passion’s there and the progress is real.

Every Panther did the club proud. Dave and Geoff were beaming. 💪

Video below

Coming Up

This Sunday our Panthers train at home 1:30pm, but we open our doors to all things Girls/Ladies Rugby on Saturday afternoon for the 2025 World Cup Final between England & Canada

🏉 Panthers Rugby Presents: World Cup Final Watch Party! 🏆

📅 27th September

📍 Clubhouse – Doors open to all women & girls rugby players

🍔 Free food for players during the match!

Scotland may not have made the final, but that won’t stop us celebrating the biggest night in women’s rugby 💪🔥

Come down, bring your teammates, and soak up the atmosphere with fellow players as we cheer on the best in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned Panther or just curious about the game, this is your chance to be part of the buzz, meet the squad, and enjoy some great food and even better company.

Let’s make it a night to remember 💙 #PanthersRugby #WomensRugby #WorldCupFinal #RugbyFamily #JoinTheRoar

This Week

Under-14 Tournament Report: A Night to Remember at The Hive Stadium

Our Under-14 squad had the unforgettable opportunity to play under the lights at The Hive Stadium, the home of Edinburgh Rugby — a thrilling experience that showcased everything great about youth rugby.

🌟 Game 1: Rising to the Challenge The evening kicked off with a tough opener against a strong Corstorphine side. Our players showed real grit and determination, holding their own throughout the match. Logan stood out with a superb performance, crossing the line twice and setting the tone for the night.

🔥 Game 2: Teamwork in Full Flow By the second match, the team had truly found their rhythm. Their passing was sharp, their movement along the lines was seamless, and their rucking grew stronger with every breakdown. Reuben dazzled with two brilliant tries, and Matis added a third to cap off a fantastic team effort.

🎉 More Than Just Matches Beyond the scores and tries, the tournament was a celebration of what youth rugby is all about — fun, friendship, and growth. Playing on the Hive’s iconic pitch gave our players a real buzz, and the atmosphere was electric. It was also a great chance for clubs to connect, share ideas, and build future opportunities for young athletes.

If you’re a parent thinking about rugby for your child, this is the kind of experience that awaits: confidence-building, teamwork-driven, and packed with moments they’ll never forget. Ready to get involved? Let’s chat about how your child can be part of the journey.

This Week

This week’s training session saw a couple of new members join in – we’re absolutely thrilled to see the squad growing from strength to strength! Wednesday night’s training had a fantastic turnout, with the focus on tackling and rucking. Everyone got stuck in, sharpening their skills – from our newest recruits to our experienced players – and the progress across the whole team is brilliant to see.

This weekend, the Women’s Team and the Penicuik Panthers (our girls’ team) are teaming up to bring you a Come & Watch Party for the World Cup Final!
📅 When: Sunday from 1 pm (kick-off at 4 pm)
📍 Where: Montgomery Park, Penicuik

There’ll be face painting, body tattoos, a kids’ station with rugby-themed colouring, fun challenges and a “guess the score” competition – plus free pizza during the final. It’s set to be a great day for all ages. The theme is wear your favourite rugby jersey– we can’t wait to see the array of club and national colours on display!

We’re always welcoming new players of all levels and abilities. If you’d like to give rugby a try, come along to our training on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm at Montgomery Park, Penicuik.

See you on the pitch – and at the party!

1xv

Last Weekend

Penicuik progressed to round 2 of the National Shield courtesy of a bye, the reward of which is a home tie against Haddington in a repeat of last seasons epic 52-41 defeat in round one last season.  Haddington impressively put 51 over their East Lothian neighbours North Berwick in round 1.

The game takes place Saturday 1st November 1:30pm ko

This Week

Penicuik Selection.

The 1xv welcome back Pete Kirkwood at prop and Euan Reid on the bench following an injury start to their season.  Following an impressive display against Watsonians last weekend, Sam Tulloch starts at lock for his 1xv debut.

It’s an unchanged back row & backline from the Earlston defeat, with the coaches having faith with the players to get back into gear.  Its a very strong bench with the strength of Roni and Foxy combined with the fitness of Stan and Andrew Cartwright which will be crucial in what is always a large Corstorphine side.

Click for the full squad below :

2xv

Last Weekend

Watsonians 3xv 49 – 19 Penicuik 2xv

Our Sexy Seconds couldn’t repeat their comeback historics from the previous outing against a very strong Watsonians 3xv side, who were celebrating an afternoon of rugby with their 1xv, 2xv, 3xv and ladies side all playing at home at Myreside.

With the agreement of both coaches, Watsonians were allowed to field several fringe 1xv/2xv players who were looking for game time.  This showed as at half time Watsonians were 44-0 leading, not helped by a Penicuik yellow card for a high tackle.

The second half was a different story with Watsonians withdrawing their seasoned players.  Penicuik got their first points when Seru sliced through the Watsonians midfield following strong carries by Scott Touchstone-Hall and Tom Neville gave the platform and soaked in the defence. (Video below).

Jacob Lee added a 2nd try touching down between the sticks with McCormick adding the extra’s.  A clear knock on was missed by the officials and with Penicuik demonstrating, Watsonians slipped in to score.

Penicuik got their 3rd near the end when Andrew Cartwright scored wide from a textbook trading pitch scrum move to make it 49-21

Photos below from the fantastic Nifty 50

This weekend

No rugby for the 2xv this weekend, instead lets fill the sidelines and cheer on the 1xv against Corstorphine