The Official Scottish Rugby Podcast

Podcast hosts Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson welcome two exciting guests to the pod. First, an in-depth chat with new Scottish Rugby Performance Director, David Nucifora. David talks through his impressions of the role so far, what he hopes to acheive in his position and the challenges and opportunities ahead for rugby in Scotland.    Then, the pair are joined by Edinburgh Rugby Women's team Head Coach for the upcoming Celtic Challenge, Claire Cruikshank. Claire steered Edinburgh to an impressive second placed finish in the team's inaugural season, and will now take on the role in a full-time basis as part of the Scottish Rugby Female Performance Pipeline, funded by Royal London's Level the Playing Field programme, enabled by the British and Irish Lions.

The Official Scottish Rugby Podcast returns to preview a bumper weekend of action in Edinburgh. Scotland round out their Famous Grouse Nations Series campaign when they host a resurgent Australia on Sunday. The result of that game will go a long way to setting the mood of November. Before that, Scotland 'A' are back in action on home soil for the first time in a decade as they host Chile at Hive Stadium. Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson preview both fixtures, and reflect on the Autumn as a whole. There is also special mention for an extra-special attendee to Sunday's game. Sione and Mosese Tuipulotu's 'Granny from Greenock', Jaqueline Thomson will watch her grandsons play rugby in the flesh for the first time, after she was flown over by Skyscanner, Official Partner of Scottish Rugby. 

Hosts Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson are back for another episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast to look ahead to a big November.   Caroline and Chris sit down with by new face in camp Freddy Douglas ahead of the upcoming Autumn fixtures at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Scotland are set to take on Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia in The Famous Grouse Nations Series.   Scotland A Head Coach Pete Horne also joins the podcast as preparations ramp up towards welcoming Chile to Hive Stadium on 23 November.

Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson journey into clubland to preview the 2024/25 season of the Arnold Clark Men's and Women's Premierships.    At Bridgehaugh, home of Stirling County, Caroline is joined by ex-Scotland international Megan Gaffney and Stirling skipper Ciorstaidh Ainsworth to look at the runners and riders for the Arnold Clark Women's Premiership. Chris headed to Currie to preview the Men's competition in the company of Ayr's Blair Macpherson and Currie Chieftains' Charlie Brett.   

Scotland and Edinburgh backrower Jamie Ritchie is this week's guest on the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast. He talks to Caroline and Chris about his journey to winning his 50th cap for Scotland in Washington on Friday night. Scotland take on USA as part of the Skyscanner Americas Tour and Ritchie will reach another milestone six years on from winning his first cap in North America. He talks about his journey in rugby, from starting out at mini rugby with George Horne, joining Edinburgh as a professional straight from school and the highs and lows of playing on the international stage.

Before jetting out to Canada for the opening game of the Skyscanner Americas Tour, Ben Healy and Harry Paterson invited Caroline Blair over for a cup of tea and a chat at their flat in Edinburgh. The Scotland and Edinburgh backs have been living together for the past four months and in this special episode they chat about what they get up to away from the rugby pitch, what it's like living in Edinburgh and reveal who they invite over for dinner parties. Harry also tells Caroline about the moment he found out on the morning of the game that he was going to start against France and make his Scotland debut in the last Six Nations. The pair also look ahead to the tour and the opportunities it represents for them both, starting with this weekend's game against Canada in Ottawa.

Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson sit down with Huw Jones and Peter Murchie at Scotstoun to discuss Glasgow's win over the Bulls, which saw them win the URC in Pretoria on Saturday evening. Jones chats about how they had to come back from 13-0 down to win the title for just the second time in the club's history. Murchie, the Warriors defence coach, talks about the "great team performance" and how they were firing in all departments. He also talks about the message that the coaches gave the players ahead of the game and how they needed to "stick to the plan". Jones talks about what was said at half-time, with the team trailing by six points and how they managed to peak at the right time of the season. The Scotland international also talks about the upcoming Skyscanner Americas Tour and potentially winning his 50th Scotland cap and what Glasgow's win could do for the whole of Scottish rugby.

Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson sit down with Scotland men's Head Coach Gregor Townsend to discuss the 37-man squad he has selected for the upcoming Skyscanner Americas Tour. Scotland will play Canada, USA, Chile and Uruguay in July and the squad selected includes 10 uncapped players. Townsend talks about the benefits of the tour, why he has chosen a mix of youth and experience and the challeneges he expects from the four teams they'll play in North and South America.

Scotland assistant coach, Pieter de Villiers joins Chris and Caroline on this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast to chat all things scrums. Ahead of this weekend's Community Game Conference at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, where Pieter is hosting two scrum workshops, he speaks about the link between the physical, tactical and physiological aspects of scrummaging. He also discusses the value of the scrum, interaction with refs and looks ahead to this summer's tour to North and South America.

Scottish Rugby referees, Hollie Davidson and Chelsea Gillespie join Chris and Caroline on this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast. Hollie talks about her recent appointment to referee world champions South Africa this summer, when they take on Portugal in a summer Test. It is another major milestone in Davidson's career which saw her make history earlier this year, becoming the first female to be part of the officiating team in a Guinness Men's Six Nations fixture, as an assistant referee in England's win over Wales at Twickenham. In 2022 she also became the first woman to referee a men's Six Nations team when Italy played Portugal. Chelsea talks about returning to refereeing after a 10-year hiatus, during a time which saw her contract meningitis and become a Mum. Both talk about their love for refereeing and some of the challenges they face both on and off the pitch.

Chris Paterson, Dale Clancy & Calum Johnston review the 2024 Men's Premiership and National Leagues as the end of season approaches.  They also preview this Saturday's Men's Premiership Final between Hawick and Currie Chieftains and Calum speaks to Shawn Muir from Hawick and Jamie Forbes from Currie ahead of the big game at Mansfield Park.

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm sits down with Caroline Blair to review their Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign to date, including last weekend's win against Italy in Parma - the first time in 25 years Scotland women have won on Italian soil. She looks ahead to their final match against Ireland in Belfast this weekend - a match which if they win will see them finish third in the table and qualify for both the Rugby World Cup and WXV1. Rachel also talks about her leadership style, the mood in camp and what the support of the fans means to her and the squad, following their first ever home sell at Hive Stadium this month.

On this week's Offical Scottish Rugby Podcast, Caroline and Chris catch up with some of the players who will be involved in the upcoming FOSROC Super Series Sprint, which gets underway this weekend. Tom Currie from Edinburgh A, Kerry Johnstone from Glasgow Warriors A, Ross McKnight from Stirling Wolves, Corey Tait from Boroughmuir Bears, Finn Duraj from Watsonians, Jake Shearer from Ayrshire Bulls, Sam Derrick from Southern Knights and Lewis Wells from Heriot's all feature in our preview show as we look ahead to the first round of matches. The first game is between Southern Knights and Edinburgh A at the Greenyards on Friday 19 April (kick-off 7.35pm) and will be live on BBC ALBA.

Scotland international Louise McMillan joins us on this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast to reflect on her 50th cap for Scotland against France last month. Louise chats to Caroline and Chris about the upcoming sold-out match against England at Hive Stadium this weekend and why their first ever sell out means so much to the players. She talks about her journey to the Scotland team, the growth of the women's game in Scotland, including the benefits of the new Celtic Challenge competition, and her love for Taylor Swift.  

Scotland full-back Meryl Smith joins Caroline and Chris on this week's podcast to chat about the historic win against Wales in Cardiff. Smith, who plays for Bristol Bears, also looks ahead to Saturday's match against France in the Guinness Women's Six Nations at Hive Stadium and talks about some of the differences playing full-back, compared to centre or stand-off.    

Scotland women's attack coach Matt Banahan joins Caroline and Chris on this week's podcast. The former England international, who played for Gloucester and Bath, hung up his boots in 2021 and joined Bryan Easson's coaching team in 2023, ahead of their successful WXV 2 campaign in South Africa. Ahead of this year's Guinness Women's Six Nations, which gets underway this weekend, Banahan chats about the growth of the women's game, transitioning from player to coach and what their priorities are for the campaign ahead.

Scottish Rugby's former Chief Medical Officer and current Scotland Team Doctor, Dr James Robson MBE joins Caroline and Chris on this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast ahead of his final game this weekend. Robson will retire following this weekend's match against Ireland, after 33 years at Scottish Rugby. He reflects on some of the highs and lows of his career, chats about that moment when he lifted the Calcutta Cup last month following Scotland's win over England and looks ahead to life after rugby. This is a wide-ranging and emotional chat with a man who has given so much to Scottish Rugby over the last three decades.

On this week's podcast Chris and Caroline are in the Scotland men's team hotel to speak to backrower, Andy Christie, who has made an impact off the bench during the last couple of rounds of the Guinness Men's Six Nations. Andy talks about coming back from injury, the win over England and looks ahead to this weekend's match against Italy in Rome. He also chats about the work he does for charities, including being a Patron for Show Racism the Red Card. Chris and Caroline then head to Hive Stadium to catch up with Scotland women's captain Rachel Malcolm and centre Emma Orr, ahead of the upcoming Guinness Women's Six Nations, which kicks off in just over two weeks.

Scotland co-captain Rory Darge and hooker Ewan Ashman join us on this week's Official Scottish Rugby Podcast.  Chris Paterson and Caroline Blair chat to them about leadership, their friendship and look ahead to this weekend's highly-anticipated Calcutta Cup match against England at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. If selected it will be their first involvement in the historic fixture.  

This week our hosts Chris Paterson and Caroline Blair chat about the recent matches in both the U20 Six Nations and Guinness Men's Six Nations. Scotland men are one from two after the first two rounds of matches and next up they host England at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 24 February. Meanwhile, Scotland U20 have narrowly lost their first two matches as they get set to welcome England to Hive Stadium on Friday 23 February. Chris and Caroline review both tournaments so far from a Scotland perspective.

Scotland Under-20 Head Coach Kenny Murray joins Chris and Caroline this week to chat about the upcoming home games against France and England at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. Kenny looks back on the game against Wales and chats about his excitement at helping to develop the next generation of Scotland players.

Award winning British film producer, James Gay-Rees joins Chris and Caroline on this week's Official Scottish Rugby Podcast to chat about his brand new docuseries, Six Nations: Full Contact. The behind the scenes documentary, which is now available to watch on Netflix, follows Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, France and Italy during last year's Guinness Six Nations. James chats about the process of pitching the series to Netflix, some of the challenges they faced over the last 12 months and what suprised him when he was making the series.

Scotland duo Finn Russell and Blair Kinghorn join Caroline and Chris on this week's epsiode to talk about the new Netflix docu-series, Six Nations: Full Contact, which has been released today. Both players feature heavily throughout and in the first epsiode you see Finn at home in Paris with his family. The pair also look ahead to the Guinness Six Nations and the opening match against Wales a week on Saturday, while Finn talks about being named co-captain for the Championship.

Chris Paterson and Caroline Blair return for the first podcast of 2024 and this week they're joined by four members of Gregor Townsend's Scotland squad for the upcoming Guinness Men's Six Nations. Duhan van der Merwe, Ben Healy, Kyle Rowe and Harry Paterson look ahead to the Championship getting underway in just over two weeks.

We can't believe it but here we are, the final episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast for 2023! We are delighted to bring you one last chat with hosts Chris Paterson and Caroline Blair as they look back on stand out moments from this year. You'll hear from Luke Crosbie, Francesca McGhie, Pete Horne, Caity Mattinson, Jamie Ritchie and many more in this Christmas Special.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Edinburgh Rugby's Ewan Ashman and Glasgow Warrior's Johnny Matthews. Joined by hosts Chris and Caroline, they look ahead to the upcoming 1872 Cup clashes at Scotstoun and with exactly a month to go the deciding 'Auld Acquaintance' fixture at Scottish Gas Murrayfield - on Saturday 30th December. Don't miss this very special episode!

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Ayrshire Bulls Bobby Beattie and Stirling Wolves Marcus Holden as we look ahead to this weekend's 2023 FOSROC Super Series Championship Final. Bobby and Marcus join Caroline to discuss the 2023 season as well as some of their clubs' best bits throughout this past year.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Heriot's Rugby's Dan King.  Chris and Caroline reflect on the FOSROC Super Series Championship and look ahead to this weekend's Semi Finals as Heriots take on Stirling Wolves (Friday 10 Nov, kick off 7.35pm) while Watsonians face Ayrshire Bulls (Saturday 11 Nov, kick off 5pm). Dan also talks through his experience within Scotland Under-20's set up. 

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby's Podcast, we are delighted to be joined that by Scotland internationals Rachel Malcolm and Emma Wassell. The women join Joe Anderson straight off the plane from South Africa to reflect on the inaugural WXV 2 tournament after being crowned champions.  Chris and Caroline also catch up on the United Rugby Championship so far and look ahead to this weekend's fixtures: Glasgow face Stormers on Friday evening and Edinburgh travel to Leinster on Saturday afternoon. 

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by two special guests: sports commentator and Watsonian's Women's Coach, Bruce Millar and Scotland internationalist, Emma Wassell. Bruce joins Chris Paterson to discuss team performances throughout the FOSROC Super Series championship thus far as well as looking ahead to Round 13 this weekend with competition for a semi-final spot being fierce.  Emma then joins Tom Sole from camp in South Africa to review Scotland's WXV 2 performances as well as her thoughts on the trajectory for the women's game.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast we are delighted to be joined by journalist, Gary Heatly, as we look back on Scotland's Rugby World Cup performance and ahead to this weekend's first WXV 2 fixture v South Africa. You can listen or watch at any time to the full episode on the Scottish Rugby website, Spotify, PodBean and more.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast we are delighted to be joined by Scotland Women Head Coach, Bryan Easson. Chris and Caroline get his take on this weekend's final Pool B fixture v Ireland and looks ahead to the new women's competition - WXV - commencing in South Africa. You can listen to the full episode here or watch the best bits on YouTube.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast we are delighted to be joined by Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland international Grant Gilchrist.  Joining Chris at the team hotel in Nice, Grant reviews Scotland's performance against Tonga, looks ahead to Romania and reminisces on his time playing alongside Stuart McInally - who has now retired from international rugby. You can listen to the full episode now on the Scottish Rugby website, Spotify, PodBean and more.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast we are delighted to be joined by Scottish former rugby union coach and player, Jim Telfer. Chris and Caroline review Scotland's performance against current champions South Africa, look ahead to Tonga and reminisce on Jim's own Rugby World Cup experiences. You can listen to the full episode now on the Scottish Rugby website, Spotify, PodBean and more.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast we are delighted to be joined by Scotland women stars Chloe Rollie and Lana Skeldon. Caroline catches up with Chloe and Lana on their return to camp as the team continue preparations for their Autumn Test later this month v Spain (30 Sept). Make sure to join us for a very fun episode as they chat all things WXV, Rugby World Cup and spending days off with Highland Cows.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast we are delighted to be joined by Scotland winger Kyle Steyn.  Kyle joins Chris and Caroline to discuss his international career to date including the recent Famous Grouse Nations Series, his elation being selected for the Rugby World Cup and excitement of joining the girl dad club soon.  Chris and Caroline also preview Scotland's first 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B fixture v South Africa (Sunday 10 September).

We bring you a special episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast this week with part two of the community game special and the return of club rugby hosts Caitlin Gould and Calum Johnston as they delve into the upcoming men's premiership season.

This week we bring you a very special episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast... We are delighted to be joined by a host of players selected to represent Scotland in the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France – including Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge, Scott Cummings, Ewan Ashman and Ben White.

We bring you a very special episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast this week with the introduction of club rugby hosts Caitlin Gould and Calum Johnston as they delve into the upcoming women's season.

On this episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by a variety of special guests including Dave Cherry, Tommy Seymour, Jamie Ritchie, and Sam Skinner. Chris and Caroline catch up with Dave on last weekend's remarkable victory over France as well as how the team are preparing for their second meet this weekend in Saint Etienne. There is also a special segment from The Famous Grouse Clubhouse, hosted by Tommy Seymour, looking ahead to the upcoming Rugby World Cup - with live audience.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Scotland international and Bath center, Cameron Redpath. Hosts Chris Paterson and Caroline Blair catch up with Cameron on his career to date; including his school and club rugby experiences; his motivation to become a professional rugby player; his dad's influence and his future aspirations.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, hosts Chris Paterson and Caroline Blair look ahead to the upcoming Famous Grouse Nations Series. They discuss Gregor Townsend's Scotland team selection v Italy, including the return of Darcy Graham and Rory Darge named as captain. Tickets are still available for this weekend's opening match against Italy via scottishrugby.org. 

Scotland and Glasgow Warriors full-back, Ollie Smith reflects on his career to date, talks to us about how preparations are going for the upcoming matches against Italy, France and Georgia ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France later in the year and he tells us why his Dad is his biggest supporter.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to announce the partnership between Scottish Gas, the largest home energy supplier in the UK, and Scottish Rugby to help the rugby community across Scotland reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.  Caroline Blair is joined by a variety of special guests including Scottish Rugby's Chief Executive Mark Dodson, Managing Director of British Gas Net Zero Andrew Middleton, Scottish Rugby's Sustainability Ambassador, and current GB 7s player Jamie Farndale, and Scotland women's player Emma Wassell. 

We're back! Stay with us as we keep you close to all the action from within Scottish Rugby as the men's national team prepare for this year's World Cup. On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, hosts Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson are joined by Scotland internationalist Stuart McInally as they reminisce on his incredible career to date. McInally talks about his journey into professional rugby; the physical and mental step up to test rugby; his first cap away to Italy back in 2015; what leadership means to him; and how he knew post World Cup was the right time to hang up his boots. 

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Scotland and Exeter Chiefs winger Eilidh Sinclair.  Eilidh joins Chris Paterson for a deep dive into her rugby journey so far; her breadth of experience in both 15s and 7s; her time in Australia; and her recent performance that secured Exeter Chiefs their semi-final victory. They also look ahead to this Saturday's Allianz Premier 15s final as they seek to make history against Westcountry rivals Gloucester-Hartpury - live on BBC iPlayer (kick off 3.30pm).

On the special edition of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Scottish Rugby's Head of Game Development, Neil Graham. Chris and Caroline chat all things game development with Neil including the upcoming Community Game Conference – this Sunday 11 June at BT Murrayfield. If you're a school, club or match official make sure you reserve your space for this year's Community Game Conference via SCRUMS and get along to what promises to be a fantastic day.

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Ayrshire Bulls Head Coach, Pat MacArthur.  Pat catches up with Chris Paterson on his transition from player to coach, Ayrshire Bulls season so far. They also look ahead to this weekend when the Bulls take on Heriots Rugby and battle it out for the FOSROC Super Series Sprint Winner's title on Friday evening at Millbrae, kick-off 7.35pm Chris is also joined by host Tom Sole to discuss the remaining four teams playing in a Super Series Saturday double header at Meggetland this weekend (kick off's 3pm & 5pm). 

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast we are delighted to be joined by Heriots Rugby Head Coach, Ben Cairns. Ben joins Chris and Caroline to discuss life after international rugby, his move into coaching with Stirling and now Heriots Rugby and looks ahead to Round 6 of the FOSROC Super Series Sprint - with everything to play for. 

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson. Bryan catches up with hosts Caroline Blair and Chris Paterson on all things TikTok Women's Six Nations: including the emotions around the team's first back-to-back win since 2006 as well as achieving a record crowd at DAM Health Stadium. They also look ahead to the WXV Championship in South Africa later in the year. 

On this week's episode of the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by several special guests as we look forward to this year's Silver Saturday at BT Murrayfield & DAM Health Stadium. Hosts Caroline Blair and Tom Sole are joined by Hawick captain, Matthew Carryer, and Marr captain, Conor Bickerstaff, to discuss preparations ahead of this Saturday's Cup Final.  Scottish Rugby Development team, Caitlin Gould and Calum Johnston preview all seven games across the day with a special emphasis on the women's side - namely the Sarah Beany Cup.  Finally, we are delighted to be joined by ex-internationalists Rhona Hume and Mary Pat McFarlane who reminisce on their days playing alongside Sarah and how important the Cup still is today.