Fans will be able to enjoy a day packed full of action with the Sarah Beaney Cup, Scottish Cup, Women’s Plate final, Men’s National League Cup final, Men’s and Women’s Shield finals, and the Men’s National Bowl final all being contested across Scottish Gas Murrayfield and Hive Stadium.
Fourteen of the best teams from around the country will compete for silverware, and their coaches and captains have been excitingly anticipating their fixtures, as well as reflecting on their seasons so far.
Men’s Bowl Final: Kinloss Eagles RUFC v Hawick Linden RFC, Hive Stadium, 10am KO
One of the first kick-offs of the day at Hive Stadium will see the Men’s Bowl Final contested between Kinloss Eagles RUFC and Hawick Linden RFC.
Hawick Linden club captain Aiden Fairbairn looks forward to the Borders team’s first outing at Scottish Gas Murrayfield: “It’s a great pleasure to have made it to the final and Hawick Linden’s first Silver Saturday. Winning the National Bowl will top off what has been a great season already with winning the double.
“This has been a credit to all the lads this season having good numbers at training and for game days which has really made a difference. Shout out to all the boys this season.”
Head Coach Simon Spalding recognises the hard work done by everybody involved at the club to get them to the final, adding: “It’s brilliant that we have managed to reach the final. Over the 100+ years of the Linden, it’s the one thing that’s never been done.
“To be the first to get to this stage is brilliant for the Club and shows the hard work being done by the committee, coaches and players heading the club in the direction it wants to be going.”
Kinloss, who secured their spot with a 24-14 win over Madras Rugby, despite being reduced to 12 men at one stage, are relishing the chance to add cup success to their top-of-the-table Arnold Clark Caledonia North Region League Division 2 season.
Head Coach Dan Woodward said: “We love this competition; we’ve been here before and won in 2023 for the first time in our club’s relatively short history.
“Now, we’re fortunate to have a great blend of players from that final who are still here and playing, including our now co-captains Jim Illingworth and Lewis Green, who all season have epitomised what this competition means to us, but also a set of fresh faces who are hungry for the opportunity to play on Silver Saturday and contribute their own piece of club history.
“It’s taken a monumental club effort for us to get here again, just to get to the final is a celebration for every player who has pulled on a shirt this season and got us here, many of which are currently deployed worldwide, and I know will be following along closely. From Kinloss to Fiji and everywhere in-between, we’ve got a fantastic community supporting us and I hope we can do them all proud.”
Women’s Shield Final: Hillhead Jordanhill RFC v Broughton RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 10am KO
Hillhead Jordanhill RFC will compete on two fronts, as the Glasgow club’s second XV take part in the Women’s Shield Final against Broughton RFC. The match will be streamed live on the Scottish Rugby YouTube from 10am.
Hills’ captain Lou Brett discusses their second XV’s journey to the final: “Since 2022 the second XV has continued to build and develop, HJRFC offers a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all types of players from those new to rugby right through to international players. The development of the second XV has successfully created opportunities and pathways for players whose goal has been to develop and represent the first team in the Premiership.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the first club in Scotland to ever have two women’s teams reach both the Cup and Shield Final on the same day. A huge thank you goes to all the coaches whose hard work and dedication has made this all possible. Furthermore, thank you to the rugby committee and everyone at Hillhead Sports Club. We’re buzzing to get out there.”
Broughton RFC secured their spot in the final defeating Stewartry RFC 24-10 in the semi-final, and captain Alison MacDonald reflects on an up-and-down season:
“We had a tough start to the season with teams dropping out of the league leaving us with little game time to develop and attract new players. We ultimately finished the league with no wins, however fortunately things have come together for the Shield run, with players returning from injury and an expansion of our squad.
“Only 22 players are on the team sheet today but a further seven have helped us qualify for this final, via playing in earlier games and delivering high standards at training. The environment has been so positive from everyone throughout the campaign.
“We’ve exceeded our expectations in the competition, but that doesn’t mean we’re not fully committed for the final. We have a number of players leaving or retiring this year and sending them off on a high has been a real motivator for the squad.”
Men’s Shield Final: Carrick RFC v Haddington RFC, Hive Stadium, 12.45pm KO
The Men’s Shield Final will be contested between Carrick RFC and Haddington RFC, with the South Ayrshire side booking their spot through a comfortable 27 -16 win at home against Broughton RFC.
Their club captain, John Fulton said: “Having played in three finals previously, I know just how special this opportunity is. To be back at this stage again is something we don’t take for granted. I’m incredibly proud of the boys and the effort they’ve put in to get here. We’re a small club from Maybole, so to reach a national final is a fantastic achievement and a great opportunity for us to show what we can do on a bigger stage.
“Having the backing of our local community means a huge amount to us as well. Their support has been there all season, and to have them behind us for this occasion makes it even more special. We know it’s not going to be easy, but I’ve got full belief in this group to put together a strong performance and do ourselves justice on the day.”
Their rivals on the day, Haddington RFC will be looking to cap an impressive league campaign with a cup final victory.
Freddie Cunningham, Haddington captain said: “It’s an incredible honour, for both myself and the entire team to reach the Shield Final. This moment reflects the hard work, commitment, and belief that has driven our club all season.
“The 1st XV haven’t done this alone. The unwavering support from our club community, along with the work of an outstanding Committee and coaching staff, our brilliant 2nd XV, that have all been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved this season. To now have the opportunity to win the Shield final with such a young, determined squad would mean everything. It’s the chance to reward the journey we’ve been on together.”
Men’s National League Cup Final: GHK RFC v Highland RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 12.45pm KO
GHK RFC will contest the Men’s National League Cup following an impressive route to the final which saw them dispatch Cartha 44 – 26 in the semi-final.
Now their captain, Calum Busby, looks to finish the job, saying: “Looking ahead to the final, it’s a game we’re incredibly excited about. It will be many of the boys’ – including myself – first time playing at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Winning the cup would mean so much to this group. We’ve worked really hard this year and have put ourselves in a much better place than in recent seasons, so lifting the cup would be the icing on the cake.
“On behalf of the boys, I’d just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has travelled to watch us, and to those who have supported us throughout the season. We really appreciate all the love and support. A big thank you also goes to everyone who works so hard behind the scenes, including our dedicated committee, coaching team and physios. Without you all, we wouldn’t be able to have special days like today.”
They’ll now face Highland RFC on the big day. The two teams have faced off twice already this season, winning one game each, so they’re evenly matched going into this third and final fixture.
Highland’s captain, Scott Fraser said: “The boys are absolutely delighted to have made it to Silver Saturday. None of the squad have played there at senior level for the club so we’ll make the most of the occasion, but ultimately, we’re desperate to become the first ever Highland team to win at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.”
Their Head Coach, Davie Carson, hopes they can take the National League Cup back on the team bus with them, adding: “Since the win in the semi there’s been a lot of excitement around the club. What a fantastic way to round off a successful season with a game at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. The whole club is looking forward to the game and hopefully a trip up the A9 with the trophy.”
Women’s Plate Final: Lenzie RFC v Hillfoots RFC, Hive Stadium, 3.30pm KO
Lenzie RFC will play Hillfoots RFC in the Women’s Plate Final. Lenzie secured their spot after narrowly defeating Annan RFC 8-7 in the semis.
Hillfoots were the last team to lock in their spot, beating Hamilton Rugby Club 39-31 last weekend. Their captain, Rowan Fair recognises the role their dedicated fans have played in their journey so far, saying: “I’m unbelievably proud of this group of amazing women and everything we’ve achieved to get here, an unbeaten Plate run, a top three league finish and it’s only our second competitive season.
“The pressure and nerves that come with a final are a privilege, you have to earn the right to feel them, and we have earned that. This is a huge day not just for us, but for women’s rugby, and we’re ready to embrace it.
“A huge thank you to our supporters for coming to support us in this match, including our players who can’t be on the pitch with us – they’ve all been a massive part of getting us to this stage and we wouldn’t be here without them.”
Meanwhile Lenzie RFC are also celebrating the success of their Women’s team as their side aim to take the Plate back to the West, looking ahead to their final, club captain Laura Manson mentions that: “Being part of Silver Saturday for the National Plate Final is a huge moment for us in just our second year as a squad. We’ve grown massively, now with nearly 40 players involved and building towards a second team, which we’re incredibly proud of.
“After a strong league season, the chance to run out at the Hive Stadium is a real honour and a brilliant way to showcase how far we’ve come as a club.”
Head Coach, Steven McLoughlin aims to make amends for their disappointing defeat in last season’s cup campaign: “This group has shown real growth and resilience, especially after the disappointment of losing last year’s semi-final.
“In just our second year in the competition, reaching the final is a great achievement and a credit to the players’ commitment and belief. We’re excited to take that experience into this weekend and do everyone at Lenzie RFC proud.”
Scottish Cup Final: Currie Chieftains v Ayr RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 3.30pm KO
In the men’s Scottish Cup Final, shown live on BBC ALBA and BBC ALBA YouTube, Currie Chieftains will meet Ayr RFC in the main bowl at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
Ayr RFC will be looking to continue their form into the final following a series of dominant displays, seeing off last year’s champions GHA RFC convincingly in the semi-final and defeating Currie 41-27 in the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership final.
Their Head Coach, Grant Anderson suggests this weekend could be a closer contest: “Everyone is looking forward to Saturday and there has been a real buzz of excitement at training. This group of men have a unique opportunity to do something that hasn’t been done before.
“We are fully focused on delivering for each other, for Blair (Macpherson) and ultimately, for our supporters who have followed us all over the country, week after week. Currie are a dangerous team who will be desperate to stop us – all of that rolled into 80 minutes should make for a great game.”
After the loss to the men in pink and black in the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership final last month, Currie will be looking to come away from Scottish Gas Murrayfield with the biggest cup prize in hand.
Head Coach Mark Cairns added: “I’m really proud of the players for reaching both the Premiership and Cup finals. The opportunity to play at Murrayfield is special and one of the reasons the Scottish Cup is such a great competition. I was fortunate to play there in a final 20 years ago, and although we didn’t get the result, it’s a day I’ll never forget.
“We’re up against the best team in the country and deserved favourites, and we have a huge amount of respect for Ayr, but we also back ourselves to get the result. We pushed them in the Premiership Final and learned a lot from that game and our previous encounters. We know we’ll need to be better across the full 80 minutes, but there’s a strong belief within the group. There will only be one Currie team to win the Cup for the first time, and I believe this group has what it takes to do that.”
Sarah Beaney Cup Final: Watsonian FC v Hillhead Jordanhill RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 6.15pm KO
Silver Saturday will wrap up with the top event in the Women’s game, as Watsonian FC and Hillhead Jordanhill RFC compete for the Sarah Beaney Cup in a repeat of last year’s final.
Watsonian Women will feature in their fifth consecutive Sarah Beaney Cup, and captain Rachel Law wants to leave it all out there on the Scottish Gas Murrayfield turf: “We have shown the class and depth we have as a squad over the course of the past season and we are really excited to showcase it again on the main pitch.
“We know how good Hillhead have been all year, so it will be a tough up-front battle with very small margins. Hopefully we can put on a performance to be proud of.”
Head Coach, Bruce Millar is happy with their preparations for the big game, adding: “It’s exciting to be back at Scottish Gas Murrayfield for another Sarah Beaney Cup final. I’ve been really proud of the bond this squad has created and the way they bounced back from the disappointment of the league final. They deserve to achieve something special together, and we’ve prepared well to put in a performance that reflects everything we’ve built this season.
“Hills are a side we have enormous respect for. With just a single point separating the teams across two meetings this season, we know we’ll have to be at our very best. Recent finals between the sides have been a great advert for the women’s game, with some fantastic rugby played by both sides, and I’m confident this one will be no different.”
Hillhead Jordanhill RFC fell short by just one point following last year’s epic cup final and will be looking to get over the line this time around. Their captain, Debbie Lee expects another close fought battle: “We are so excited to be heading back to another Silver Saturday.
“During the League, we were disappointed to be in the bottom four after the split but, on reflection, it gave us an opportunity to really work on our depth and getting people comfortable in different positions, which has been very beneficial for us as a whole squad.
“We are no stranger to a cup final, and the squad we have at the moment is really clicking. The atmosphere at training has been very positive with friendly competition for places making everyone work extra hard.
“Everyone has different motivations, with it being some players first cup finals, and a few players retirement game, providing a great mix of energy and experience. The last two meetings we have had with Watsonians have resulted in a one-point loss and a draw, so we can’t wait to play them again in the final.”
Tickets are still on sale for the event, so make sure to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Fixtures
Men’s Bowl Final, Kinloss Eagles RUFC v Hawick Linden RFC, Hive Stadium, 10am KO
Women’s Shield Final: Hillhead Jordanhill RFC v Broughton RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 10am KO, livestreamed on YouTube
Men’s Shield Final: Carrick RFC v Haddington RFC, Hive Stadium, 12.45pm KO
Men’s National League Cup Final: GHK RFC v Highland RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 12.45pm KO, livestreamed on YouTube
Women’s Plate Final: Lenzie RFC v Hillfoots RFC, Hive Stadium, 3.30pm KO
Scottish Cup: Currie Chieftains v Ayr RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 3.30pm KO, live on BBC ALBA and BBC ALBA YouTube
Sarah Beaney Cup: Watsonian FC v Hillhead Jordanhill RFC, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, 6:15pm KO, live on BBC ALBA and BBC ALBA YouTube