
🏉 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
The winners of the 200 Club Draw for October are:
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L.Tait (No. 52 – £96.25)
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T.Winnington (No. 20 – £38.50)
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D.Butters (No. 47 – £19.25)
Entry to the Draw costs just £5 per number per month. The more who participate, the bigger the prizes and the greater the amount raised to help fund some of the club’s activities. If you would like to take part, please speak to Andrew Mitchell or Andy Law or email 200club@penicuikrugby.org

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🏉 Live International Rugby – This Weekend in the Clubhouse!
Join us this weekend
Saturday
5:40pm – Wales v Japan.
8:10pm – Ireland v Australia (ps.. we could be persuaded to screen some round ball international if asked for)
Sunday
3:10pm – Scotland v Argentina. (club open 12:30)
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:
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Keeps your head warm and your rugby heart visible
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Stylish enough for school runs, muddy boots, and clubhouse banter
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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.
https://penicuikrugby.org/store/

Congratulations
The Penicuik RFC family is delighted to share the news that former 1XV captain and current squad stalwart Cammy Crawford and his partner Kirsty have welcomed their beautiful daughter Ciara into the world this week.
From leading the line on the pitch to leading the way into parenthood, Cammy’s biggest team just got a new recruit! We reckon Ciara will be calling the shots before long—whether it’s in the clubhouse or out on the touchline.
Wishing the whole Crawford-Dow family health, happiness, and plenty of tries (and nappies) ahead

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.
Remembrance Sunday
Last Sunday the club was represented at Penicuik’s Remembrance service by Vice President Andy Mitchell, Youth Conveyor Gav Stephen, 1xv captain Alan Haynes and our Hunters Brodie MacTaggart & Leo Stephen.
Alan, Brodie and Leo subsequently made the journey to the war memorial to lay the remembrance wreath on behalf of the club with other members of the wider Penicuik community groups.
Our Hunters, alongside hosts Peebles Piranhas, also observed the 2 minute silence at 11am


One of Our Own Completed on the Sahara!
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!
Club Lounge Usage
Congratulations to Penicuik Community First Responders who this year celebrated their 20th year.
It was fantastic to welcome them to the clubhouse on Friday evening to host their celebrations.
Click to read all about their evening – https://www.penicuikcfr.com/l/20th-year-celebrations/?


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!

This Season
Tries : 58
Cons : 33
Pens : 7
Total : 377pts
Last Weekend
🚙 Hunters on the Road – Powered by Oval 4×4 🏉
Last weekend our Hunters (P1–P7) revved up and travelled to Peebles to take on the mighty Piranhas. Backed by our sponsors Oval 4×4, specialists in Land Rover and Jaguar repairs and service, the young Panthers showed they’ve got plenty of mileage in the tank. From the first whistle, the Hunters’ passing was smooth as a gearbox, their catching as reliable as a Land Rover suspension, and their tackling as sharp as a Jaguar corner. Every age group dug deep, showing grit, determination, and plenty of smiles along the way.
The Piranhas were fierce opponents, but our Hunters kept their engines running—supporting each other, driving forward, and proving that teamwork is the best fuel. Whether it was weaving runs, brave tackles, or clever offloads, the kids showed they’re building skills that will keep them motoring for seasons to come.
🏆 Players of the Match (fully MOT’d and roadworthy):
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P1/2 – Freddie
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P3 – Autumn
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P4 – Rory :
Good passing during the session and in the games, good tackling all round but some brilliant covering tackles at the back. Constantly making himself available in plenty of space to receive the ball
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P5 – Carter :
Undisputed king of Bank Ball during training this week and some great passing
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P6 – Eric :
excellent communication, brilliant teamwork, and great organisation around the rucks. He helped make sure every contest was a good one
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P7 – Kerr :
For all round excellence on the pitch

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.
This Weekend
This Sunday we welcome Leith to Montgomery Park. Due to playing numbers the P7’s will play alongside the P6’s and the P5’s will play alongside the P4’s.
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.
Fixtures Coming Up
23rd Nov – Dalkeith (h)
30th Nov – Portobello (h)
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 Lead the Way – First Ever Evolution Girls Series at Penicuik!
History was made at Penicuik RFC as we proudly hosted our first ever Evolution Girls Series event. The day was a huge success, with over 70 girls from 6 different teams coming together to showcase their skills, passion, and love for rugby.
From the youngest players taking their first steps into the game to experienced girls driving forward with confidence, the pitches were alive with energy. Passing, tackling, running into space, and supporting teammates—every skill was on display, and every player contributed to the fantastic atmosphere.
The event wasn’t just about rugby—it was about friendship, fun, and showing that girls’ rugby is thriving in our community. The Panthers were brilliant hosts, and it was inspiring to see so many girls enjoying the game together.
A huge thank you to everyone who made the day possible—coaches, volunteers, parents, and of course the players themselves.
With events like this, the future of girls’ rugby at Penicuik is brighter than ever. If you’re a girl who wants to give rugby a try, come and join the Panthers—we’d love to welcome you into the team!
Click the video below for highlights of the day
This Week
Panthers Training Update – Sponsored by Perfect Clean
Because great rugby starts with a spotless attitude!
Monday: We had a brilliant turnout with 8 girls, and we’re delighted to welcome Evie to the squad (yes, we now have an Ava, an Eva, and an Evie—try calling that in a team huddle! ).
The girls kicked off with mobility and speed work before diving into a ruck drill, focusing on quick reactions and strong body height. We then moved into an attacking drill, learning how to spot space and run hard into it. Geoff led a session on catch-and-pass at the gain line, helping the girls sharpen their timing and confidence.
We wrapped up with a fun scrag game that had everyone smiling. Special mention to Julia, who’s been impressing us week after week with her effort, commitment, and coachability—exactly the qualities that make rugby such a fantastic sport for young players.
Wednesday: Another lively session indoors, where Geoff and I are getting used to the hall (and its echo chamber acoustics!). We mixed things up with warm-ups inspired by Trans World Sport—kabaddi-style chasing and judo-style wrestling games that had the girls laughing while building strength and agility.
From there, we worked on contact skills: supporting teammates with latch-and-drive, protecting the ball on the ground, and tackling technique from both front-on and side-on positions.
Thinking of joining the Panthers?
Whether you’re U14 or U16, experienced or brand new, there’s a place for you in our squad. With support from Perfect Clean, we’re building a team that’s strong, supportive, and seriously fun. Come along, give it a try — and let’s clean up the competition together!
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 host Dunbar Rugby for a combined training session followed by some mixed games — a brilliant opportunity for our U14 & U16 players to sharpen their claws, stretch their stride, and show just how far they’ve come.
🏉 Kick-Off: 1pm
Expect fast play, fearless tackles, and plenty of Panther pride as our girls take the field alongside teams from across the region. Whether they’re cleaning out a ruck or sweeping through a defensive line, they’ll be bringing the same energy and effort that’s made them a joy to coach and a nightmare to defend against!
Thanks to our sponsors at Perfect Clean, the Panthers are prepped, polished, and ready to shine. From muddy boots to sparkling performances, we’re proud to have a partner who knows how to tidy up and turn heads.
Coming Up
Dates For Your Diary
20th Dec : Xmas Party
Last Weekend
U14s vs Preston Lodge — Lessons Bigger Than the Scoreboard
Saturday saw our U14s take on a well-drilled Preston Lodge side who’ve been playing week in, week out — while our young squad were only on their second outing of the season.
The result? A tough one. But the takeaway? Even better.
Because sometimes life doesn’t go your way.
Sometimes you don’t get the extra slice of sticky toffee pudding.
Sometimes that hot person says “nah, you’re just a mate.”
And sometimes… you face a team that’s simply sharper on the day.
But every setback is a setup for growth. Our lads showed heart, grit, and a willingness to learn — and that’s what matters most. These are the moments that build character, resilience, and future club legends.
We’re proud of every player who pulled on the jersey.
The journey’s just beginning — and we’re here for every step.
1xv
This Week
Halfway Point in the Season – Penicuik on the Road to Leith
We’ve reached the halfway mark, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On Saturday, Penicuik travel to Leith—scene of that opening-day thriller where the 1xv were edged out 30–39. It was narrow then, and the hope is it will be decisive now.
Since that curtain-raiser, the senior side has called upon a remarkable 66 players, a testament to depth and commitment. In that time, Penicuik have crossed the whitewash 35 times, added 23 conversions, and slotted 7 penalties. The scoreboard has flickered, but the results column has been less kind: the team sits second-bottom on 3 points. With two sides destined for relegation—and uncertainty surrounding Royal High’s campaign—every fixture from here is a must-win.
Leith, with a game more played, sit comfortably in 5th on 17 points. History tells us clashes between these two clubs often deliver drama, and Saturday’s encounter has all the ingredients to be another chapter worth retelling.
There’s fresh intrigue in the line-up: Winger Clements makes his Penicuik debut, while Panthers coach Geoff Parry returns to the 1XV after a staggering 15-year absence. Expect the cameras to linger on that moment.
Selection video below
Around the League:
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Livingston remain top dogs on 33 points, though their winning streak was halted by a surprise draw against Corstorphine, who trail by 9.
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Livingston are due to face Royal High, though postponed fixtures leave that in doubt.
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Corstorphine host Forrester, sitting 5 points ahead of Penicuik—our coaches will be hoping Union Park delivers a cricket score.
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And in the Borders, it’s derby day: Quins welcome Earlston in what promises to be a bruising encounter.
2xv
This Weekend
Unfortunately the planned home game on Friday evening against Kelso has been cancelled



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