Happy New Year everyone!

Firstly, on behalf of Scottish Rugby, we would like to share our best wishes for the New Year! We look forward to another year of on and off-field successes in our sport, across the country.

Just 10 days in, there has already been much to celebrate. 

Scottish Rugby offers its heartiest congratulations to Trinity Accies President Carol Graham, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours. 

We also send our best wishes to Currie Rugby Board Chairman, Sean Scott, former North & Midlands representative who, in his role as divisional commander for the City of Edinburgh for Police Scotland, received the King’s Police Medal.

We would also like to congratulate and thank clubs, players and volunteers who are currently participating in Doddie Aid. So far, nearly £700,000 has been raised by the six participating districts. There is still plenty of time to sign up - click HERE to find out more.

Last weekend, the Tennent's Women's Premiership league was concluded with Stirling County topping the table, winning 11 of their 12 matches. Many congratulations!

The top four teams from the table now progress from the regular league season to the play-offs to reach the Premiership Final. 

Joining Stirling County in the play-offs are: Corstorphine Cougars (second), Watsonian FC (third) and Heriot's Blues (fourth).

Semi-final 1: Saturday 14 January, 1.30pm | Corstorphine Cougars v Wastonian FC
Semi-final 2: Saturday 21 January, 1.30pm | Stirling County v Heriot's Blues

Stay tuned to Scottish Rugby's channels for more information and match previews.

Papa Johns Tartan Touch is back for 2023, and clubs can now apply to become a hub!

Running between May and July, Tartan Touch is designed to provide a simplified version of rugby with the aim of attracting players of all abilities, ages and levels of experience who are looking to improve their fitness through simple and social activity.

If you wish to apply to become a Papa Johns Tartan Touch Hub, please complete the online application form by Friday 3 February 2023. We will notify all successful clubs in February/March.

To find our more information on becoming a Hub, you can view the Application Pack linked below.

Scottish Rugby has opened nominations for the annual domestic game awards, focusing on the on and off-field efforts of clubs and schools across Scotland over the course of the last year.

The 2023 Community Recognition Awards aim to celebrate and recognise the efforts of players, coaches, match officials and volunteers from the domestic game.

The format includes six award categories, which will be awarded in each of the five regions – Caledonia Midlands, Caledonia North, East, Glasgow North and Glasgow South.

The award categories are:

• Volunteer of the Season in Youth rugby sponsored by inspiresport, 
• Volunteer of the Season in Schools rugby sponsored by inspiresport 
• Volunteer of the Season in Adult rugby sponsored by Tennent’s Lager
• Young Person’s Award sponsored by inspiresport
• Community Club of the Season sponsored by Tennent’s Lager
• Community Referee of the Season

An additional award will be presented to the Glasgow South region, The Adam Gray Memorial Award. 

The applications for making a nomination, plus the terms and conditions can be found on our website, linked below.

Applications close at midnight on 31 January 2023.

Scottish Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Karen Barclay as Rugby Development Welfare Manager.

The role, which is aligned to the Rugby Development Department, will see Dr Barclay develop and enhance support and guidance for grassroots clubs on both on and off-field welfare matters.

Welcoming Dr Barclay to the role, Gav Scott, Director of Rugby Development said: “I am thrilled to have Karen join us in the role of Welfare Manager. It is really pleasing to have appointed someone who’s wealth of experience and knowledge in both medicine and rugby is matched by their own personal passion for our game and those at the heart of it.

“Karen will play an integral part in further developing our policies and guidance for clubs and schools, alongside our existing educational resources for players and coaches and strengthening our ongoing work on concussion with other colleagues including Dr James Robson and external partners.”