Around the Grounds | International rugby not just for the pros

13 Nov 2025

The spirit of international rugby was alive and thriving at GHA Rugby Club last month, as the GHA Minis (P6s & P7s) warmly hosted a tournament of mini rugby featuring boys and girls from Haagsche RFC, the largest rugby club in the Netherlands.

The visiting Dutch players joined teams from Biggar, Bishopton, Dunbar, Haddington, and Musselburgh for a day of exciting matches, teamwork, and new friendships — proving that international competition isn’t just reserved for the professional game.

The event celebrated the values of rugby — respect, teamwork, and friendship — whilst offering these young players a unique opportunity to experience the international rugby community firsthand.

The P7 squad are also due to travel to Valencia in April to take part in Torneig D’Escoles Ciutat del Rugbi, proudly representing the club and extending GHA’s hand of friendship, whilst the GHA Gazelles will welcome Veteranos Elche to Braidholm this weekend.

The club have long been one of the most active clubs in their local community within the greater Glasgow area, bringing a group of 360 supporters to Hampden Park for last season’s 1872 Cup clash. Find out how you can bring your own club to the 2025 fixture by clicking here.

Club President Gordon Adams said: “It was fantastic for GHA to welcome Haagsche Rugby Club to Braidholm to participate in a youth tournament with Biggar, Bishopton, Dunbar, Haddington and Musselburgh.

“We are committed for our 440 youth players to get as many development opportunities as possible and playing international teams facilitates that development.

“The weekend allowed players and coaches to make friendships through rugby and for GHA to develop strong international relationships, and all had a wonderful weekend.

“GHA looks forward to growing the game home and abroad via these friendships.”


Elsewhere around the grounds, just one match is scheduled for the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership this weekend, as league leaders Ayr – with eight bonus-point wins from eight fixtures to date – welcome Hawick to Millbrae in a rescheduled clash. Kick-off is at 3pm.

The second stage of the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership continues with a full card, beginning with Hillhead Jordanhill welcoming Cartha Queen’s Park under the Friday night lights – kick-off is at 7.35pm, live on BBC Alba.

Elsewhere, Stirling County – who have already booked their place in the Premiership Final – welcome Corstorphine Cougars on Saturday afternoon, with Watsonians and Biggar travelling to Heriots and Garioch respectively. All Saturday fixtures kick-off at 2pm.

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