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GH Media A freelance sports journalist based in Scotland Freelance journalist working for various publications.

Having only played two league matches since the end of October, Strathmore Rugby Club are itching to get back into Arnol...
13/01/2026

Having only played two league matches since the end of October, Strathmore Rugby Club are itching to get back into Arnold Clark National Three rugby action soon.

When the Inchmacoble outfit played Hillhead Jordanhill and won 29-10 at home on October 25, they had played eight of their 18 games in the 10-team division.

However, fast forward to now and they have only played 10 games with the weather having caused a lot of disruption.

All being well they will get back onto the pitch this coming Saturday away at Garnock and although there has been little flow to the season so far, they can be pretty pleased to be sitting sixth with five wins from 10 after coming up as National Four champions last summer.

“Before the restructuring of the leagues which saw Strathmore move into National Four, there were only a handful of players at the club who had experience at National Three level or above so the guys are enjoying testing themselves at this level this season,” captain Kieran Scoular said.

“Coming into this season as a club we were fully aware of the challenges that National Three rugby would bring in terms of the opposition teams both tactically and physically. That being said, I have been impressed with the work the squad have put in on and off the field to ensure that we have put ourselves in the best place possible to consolidate our current league position.

“Since the break for the autumn internationals we have only played two competitive games of rugby away to Orkney and Dumfries respectively and the rest have been postponed due to weather which is slightly frustrating when trying to build momentum and consistency.

“We have agreed as a squad that we want to win the remainder of our home games this season and get back to finding ways to win on the road which we had great success with last season. If we are able to do that then that should be enough to secure our status within this league for season 2026-27. Ultimately our main goal is to be playing National Three rugby again next season.”

Head coach Craig Ormiston added: “We are looking forward to getting into the second half of the season.

“Sitting with five wins and five losses we are reasonably happy, although there were disappointing losses away to Lasswade and Preston Lodge, but we are looking forward to their visits to Inchmacoble.

“We were very pleased with our away game at Orkney, it was a real bruiser with the boys showing real character and grit to get the win. Our young players are performing extremely well, with a number of others playing in the second team Gryphons who sit second in Caledonia Midlands Two so the future is looking good.

“Our aim now is to improve on our current league position going forward.”

* A version of this article first appeared in The Courier UK on Tuesday *

The Gordonian RFC head coach Rory Riddle says that his side “won’t be going down without a fight” as their Arnold Clark ...
13/01/2026

The Gordonian RFC head coach Rory Riddle says that his side “won’t be going down without a fight” as their Arnold Clark National One rugby relegation battle gets set to resume soon.

The Countesswells outfit always knew it was going to be tough making the step up from being National Two champions and going into a pretty stacked National One last summer with teams such as Stirling County, Edinburgh Accies and Marr all in there.

They are currently the top three sides in the 10-team standings and, in the first five weeks of the season, Gordonians faced them and Glasgow Accies who are currently fourth.

Going into 2026, Gordonians have won one and lost 11 of their 12 games to date and are bottom of the table, two points behind Gala. With just six games to play and one team going down, Gordonians know they have a fight on their hands, but it is a fight they are certainly up for.

“For large parts of the season it's just been about finding our feet and adjusting to what it takes to perform at this level,” Riddle said.

“We weren't blessed with an easy start to life in the division having to play what has turned out to be the top four teams in the first five weeks, so that was a pretty big wake-up call early doors.

“However, although on paper we only have one win so far, we've been in a lot of games and shown a load of quality at times.

“The adjustment period is over now and this last run of games is all about putting together things more consistently and coming away with results.

“We need to do whatever we can as a playing group and as a coaching group to stay in the division because it's really important that we do that.

“We've fought for a long time to get back to this position as a club and to be among the top 20 teams in the country is something we are proud of. We certainly don't want to let the hard work of the players and coaches that have gone before us go to waste, so it's just about putting it all together now and starting to take more points away week on week.

“If we all do our jobs to the best of our ability, then the results should take care of themselves and it really is as simple as that.

“We won't be going down without a fight that’s for sure and I'm really looking forward to the remainder of the season.”

Gordonians home game with Biggar was postponed on Saturday and they are due to be on the road to leaders Stirling County this coming weekend.

* A version of this article first appeared in The Press and Journal on Tuesday *

11/01/2026

Wolfhounds and Gwalia Lightning each return home with bonus-point wins

The North Police Scotland (GPRFC) duo Niall Sutherland and Paul Wigley are preparing to represent the British Police Rug...
10/01/2026

The North Police Scotland (GPRFC) duo Niall Sutherland and Paul Wigley are preparing to represent the British Police Rugby squad against the British Army in a few days time.

The match is set to take place at Sixways Stadium in Worcester on Wednesday evening and Sutherland and Wigley, who are the co-captains of the North Police Scotland side that plays in Arnold Clark Caledonia North Two, will proudly be representing the north-east.

It will be a special occasion for both men, but perhaps especially for 33-year-old prop Sutherland because if he gets on the pitch during the fixture then it will be his British Police Rugby debut.

“I’m immensely honoured and proud to be given the opportunity to represent the Police at such a high level,” he said.

“The call up came as a shock, but I’m really excited to be given this chance and I want to grab it with both hands.”

Sutherland and Wigley have represented the regional Police Scotland Thistles Rugby Club team together over the year as well as the Scottish Police Rugby national side.

And on his friend and team mate Sutherland now joining him in the British Police Rugby squad, Wigley said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and something he should be very proud of.

“Niall and I joined Grampian Police on the same day in March 2012 and have been great friends since. We have represented North Police Scotland RFC, formerly Grampian Police RFC, since then.

“Scottish Police Rugby has two regional teams that enter the Police Sport UK competition annually.

“The Saltires is for officers based in the east of the country and the Thistles is for officers based in the north and west of the country.

“Niall and I play for the Thistles and already this season we have played and won against Yorkshire Constabulary and Nottinghamshire Constabulary. There are group games still to be played against Northumbria Constabulary and Cheshire Constabulary.

“From the two regional teams a national side is selected to compete in the 4 Nations Police Rugby competition. This is an annual competition that is now in its third year and Niall and I have represented Scottish Police Rugby for a number of years.”

The best players from the home nations are then selected to represent British Police Rugby and 34-year-old centre Wigley was selected in 2025 and played against the Army, RAF, Navy and twice on tour in South Africa.

“I am delighted to be included for 2026 and I am looking forward to the first game against the Army in a few days time,” he stated.

“Playing for the four Police teams - North Police Scotland, the Thistles, Scottish Police Rugby and British Police Rugby - is a significant commitment and not something that could be achieved by myself and Niall without the support of our respective families.”

Juan Phyfer, Rob Brown, Greg Walker, Mike Doneghan and Gus Twaddle are the other Police Scotland representatives currently in the British squad.

After the upcoming Army game, the British Police Rugby squad are also set to take on the RAF in Worcester on February 11 and the Navy on March 4 at the same venue.

* A version of this article first appeared in The Press and Journal on Saturday *

Dundee-based Ross Moir has enjoyed his journey playing for the Great Britain Police Rugby League Association team since ...
10/01/2026

Dundee-based Ross Moir has enjoyed his journey playing for the Great Britain Police Rugby League Association team since 2023 and he is excited about playing for them more going forward.

Today 30-year-old Moir, who is linked to the Strathmore Silverbacks in rugby league and Dundee Rugby Club in rugby union, is set to represent the Great Britain Police away to Blackbrook in St Helens in round one of the famous Challenge Cup competition.

Louis Sentor from Cambuslang is the other Scot in the squad and Moir always looks forward to turning out for the representative side.

In rugby league he plays prop or second-row and in rugby union he plays second-row or back-row and he said: “Playing rugby league for Great Britain Police has been a great honour in recent times and I have now represented them eight times.

“For my first Great Britain Police call up, I had been playing rugby league with Glasgow for around a year and then I found the GB team on Instagram.

“I sent some messages to them and was invited along to my first game in July 2023 versus the British Army. I scored a try in that one and have loved it since then.

“In terms of domestic rugby league, as I mentioned I was previously with Glasgow, but after moving to Dundee for my work as a police constable I've been involved in reviving the Strathmore Silverbacks ahead of the 2026 season and hopefully we can get them up and running for the summer. In league, I also earned a Scotland Rugby League A cap in league versus the Netherlands in September 2024.

“When it comes to police rugby union honours, well I've been part of the Police Scotland Thistles Rugby Club team for around eight years and have been capped a few times for the Scottish Police Rugby national team.

“I have been linked with Dundee Rugby since early 2025 and I really enjoy both codes of rugby. In league I enjoy getting some big hits and runs in while, in union, I enjoy the hard work needed in attack as a forward to generate ball for the backs and to improve field position.”

"I wanted to share that, after a lot of thought + consideration, I have made the decision to retire from international r...
09/01/2026

"I wanted to share that, after a lot of thought + consideration, I have made the decision to retire from international rugby"...

Tighthead prop Christine Belisle, 32, has announced that she is retiring from Scottish Rugby duty after earning 42 caps

Having grown up in Canada, she moved to Scotland in 2015 + joined Cartha QP Women's Rugby - she now plays for Loughborough Lightning Women's Rugby

✍️ tinyurl.com/y4psz3n7

"Talei’s going well - she is a strong athlete with an exciting future we hope"...Young Watsonians Women’s Rugby talent T...
09/01/2026

"Talei’s going well - she is a strong athlete with an exciting future we hope"...

Young Watsonians Women’s Rugby talent Talei Tawake is growing all the time with Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge + is learning the loosehead prop position with help from Ross Young + Rhys Litterick

✍️ tinyurl.com/yjr4v463

7 tries in 3 important matches for Stirling County RFC Women + Glasgow Warriors of late have shown that exciting young t...
09/01/2026

7 tries in 3 important matches for Stirling County RFC Women + Glasgow Warriors of late have shown that exciting young talent Sky Phimister - who came through the ranks at Livingston Rugby Football Club - is well + truly back up + running after injury + she will be in Celtic Challenge action this weekend at Scotstoun...

✍️ tinyurl.com/3xrv95wt

Coach and club president Ashleigh McManus has been hailed as he “driving force behind the spirit and energy” of Perth Tr...
09/01/2026

Coach and club president Ashleigh McManus has been hailed as he “driving force behind the spirit and energy” of Perth Tri Club after winning the Club Spirit prize at the Triathlon Scotland annual awards.

The award winners were confirmed just before Christmas with McManus getting her hands on her award this week.

On announcing she had won the award, a Triathlon Scotland spokesman said: “Ashleigh is the driving force behind the spirit and energy of Perth Triathlon Club, playing a central role in making it an active, welcoming and highly engaging community.

“Her leadership extends far beyond coaching, shaping the club’s culture and helping ensure members feel supported, included and motivated all year round.

“She has been instrumental in developing initiatives to encourage more women into triathlon, helping broaden participation and strengthen confidence among female athletes. Ashleigh also leads the organisation of the club’s fun and informal summer series, creating events that are enjoyable, accessible and designed to bring members together. Her efforts have significantly enhanced club engagement and have given athletes of all levels more opportunities to participate.

“In addition, Ashleigh helps build connections with other clubs to foster friendly rivalry and shared experiences, further enriching the club environment. From coordinating activities to championing inclusivity, her dedication, enthusiasm and organisational talent are key to what makes Perth Triathlon Club such a vibrant and supportive place to belong.

“Her impact is felt across the entire membership, making her a standout winner of the Club Spirit award.”

Perth Triathlon Club added via social media: “It's fantastic to see Ashleigh getting recognition for all that she does.”

* A version of this article first appeared in The Courier UK on Friday *

The Dundee Madsons Basketball Club Registered Charity Sc048747 under-16s boys’ basketball squad had a great start to the...
09/01/2026

The Dundee Madsons Basketball Club Registered Charity Sc048747 under-16s boys’ basketball squad had a great start to the year after they won an event in Edinburgh.

On Sunday they were down in the capital taking part in the McInnes tournament hosted by Boroughmuir Blaze.

They played two games and won two games to be crowned tournament champions overall.

The opening game was a tough, hard-fought win against the Blaze. The boys showed great composure and determination to edge out a strong opponent 68-66 in a very competitive match.

The second game saw a convincing team performance to secure an 84-24 triumph over St Mirren from Paisley.

Meanwhile, the under-18 boys’ squad took part in the McInnes tournament for their age-grade the day before and won their first two games against Blaze and St Mirren.

However, they then lost against Newcastle Eagles 80-68 to finish second overall. The Eagles were the winners while the Madsons score versus Blaze was 80-56 and St Mirren were beaten 65-45.

* A version of this article first appeared in The Courier UK on Thursday *

The Dunfermline Rugby Football Club skipper Matthew Wilson admits it has been a “very tough” season so far for the first...
09/01/2026

The Dunfermline Rugby Football Club skipper Matthew Wilson admits it has been a “very tough” season so far for the first team in Arnold Clark National Four, but hopes that a morale-boosting victory over Moray just before the break can send them into 2026 on a high.

In 2024-25, the McKane Park men finished third in what was then a nine-team National Four league, but lots of changes in the summer and an ultra-competitive 10-team division this time around mean that they are currently sitting eighth in the standings.

Out of the 12 league games they have played to date in 2025-26 they have won just two and lost 10 and they know they have a battle on their hands to avoid dropping down to the regional leagues for next term.

They also forfeited their National League Cup round one match at West of Scotland, but in their two wins over bottom of National Four Moray - and in parts of other games - they have shown what they can do when they get it right.

And, ahead of their return to action, full-back Wilson said: “On the whole the season so far has been very tough, the squad is in a period of transition with a new coaching team in place and several first team players having moved on to new teams or retired from the game.

“As a result, it has taken the squad a while to get going and we’ve had some up and down results throughout the season with a number of games slipping away from us in the last 20 minutes or so which has been tough to take.

“About halfway through the first block of games we also suffered a large number a lot of injuries which forced some young faces second team regulars to step up to the ones. We way that the boys stepped up during that time was fantastic and it’s left us in a stronger place now and, with players coming back from injuries, the squad feels a lot stronger and tighter as a group.

“We are moving in the right direction with the rugby we have played in the last couple of games before Christmas when we finished up with home wins for the ones and twos which created a great atmosphere around the club on the day and will hopefully help things kick on in 2026.

“As a first team squad we know that we have tough games coming up, but the boys are up for the challenge of fighting our way out of relegation trouble - the big target is staying in National Four.”

The home win for the first over Moray before the break was 38-24 while the seconds saw off Arbroath 36-19 and are fourth in the seven-team Caledonia Midlands Three table.

* A version of this article first appeared in The Courier UK on Thursday *

The Arbroath United Cricket Club product Megan McColl is an “amazing role model” for the younger members of the Cricket ...
09/01/2026

The Arbroath United Cricket Club product Megan McColl is an “amazing role model” for the younger members of the Cricket Scotland cricket squad as they head into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal.

The qualifier takes place between January 12 and February 2 with Scotland among 10 teams fighting for four spots at the 2026 World Cup in England next summer.

McColl, who now plays for Watsonian Cricket Club, is in the 15-strong squad with regular skipper Kathryn Bryce added to the group that was in Thailand for two events before Christmas.

Now 25, McColl and has played 47 T20Is for her country and 11 ODIs and is set to be an important player in Nepal.

“Megan’s a really good batter, some of the areas that she scores runs in are different to other players and she gives us a good option,” Scotland head coach Craig Wallace said.

“She’s a Scotland-based professional and is amazing role model for the younger girls coming through.

“Megan loves playing for her country and brings great energy to the squad, she is always happy and brings lots of things to the group.

“I'm really looking forward to working with her out here in Nepal and I want to work with all of the squad to really get the best out of them. We really want to create some memories out here.”

The Scotland campaign proper begins on January 20 against Netherlands, but before that there are warm up matches with USA and PNG on January 14 and 16. They also have plenty of practice going on too and on Friday they beat Nepal in a practice match with McColl batting at six.

* A version of this article first appeared in The Courier UK on Wednesday *

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