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Merchiston Castle School emerged victorious at their own Under-18s rugby festival last weekend. Image: Paul Watt

Schools/Youth round-up: Merchiston Castle triumph for first time at home tournament

18 October 2023 Alan Lorimer 10

“I’m happy for the boys but I’m more happy about the Festival itself. It’s growing and getting better all the time.” …

Boroughmuir took on Mount St Mary’s during last year's Merchiston Castle Festival and will be hoping to match or improve on last year's semi-final appearance. Image courtesy: Merchiston Castle School

Schools, clubs and district select sides all gear up for biggest Merchiston Castle Festival yet

11 October 2023 Alan Lorimer 3

“We’re doing this to give other kids in Scotland the opportunity to improve. It gives boys a different type of game. They will not learn much from always playing against the same group of opponents. At some point they have to get out of their comfort zone.” …

The Merchiston squad pose with eventual tournament winners Michaelhouse from South Africa after their pool match at the Rugby Schools festival.

Merchiston sign off their season in style at Rugby School Sevens Festival

29 March 2023 Alan Lorimer 4

Colinton outfit reach semi-final stage of prestigious tournament …

Merchiston Castle School defeated Edinburgh Academy to retain the Scottish Schools U18 Cup. Image: SNS/Scottish Rugby

U18 Schools Cup Final: strong first half sets up Merchiston win over Edinburgh Academy

7 December 2022 Alan Lorimer 4

Colinton side retain title with stand-off and co-captain Isaac Coates picking up man-of-the-match award …

Boroughmuir defeated last year's tournament winners, Seaford College, in the pool stage of the Merchiston Castle Rugby Festival last weekend. Image: Steve Langmead

Hosts and Boroughmuir impress as Merchiston Festival goes from strength to strength

19 October 2022 Alan Lorimer 5

George Watson’s College, Ayr and Peebles also gain valuable experience …

Last year's Under-18 Schools Cup Finalists - Merchiston Castle and Stewart's Melville - meet again in National Schools Conference One this weekend. Image: © Craig Watson - www.craigwatson.co.uk

Schools/Youth Rugby: conferences make a welcome return after enforced lay-off

15 September 2022 Alan Lorimer 4

Alan Lorimer questions whether stopping youngsters from playing sport was an appropriate way to mark the passing of a monarch …

Freddy Douglas carries the ball for Stewart's Melville against Glenamlond. Image courtesy: SMC

Schools/Youth Rugby: traditional powerhouses dominate Cup semi-final draws

18 January 2022 Alan Lorimer 1

The Schools Cup has four East Conference teams facing-off against each other, while Boroughmuir, Stirling County, Hawick and West of Scotland are the last sides standing in Youth Cup …

Isaac Coates carries the ball for Merchiston Castle School versus George Watson's College

Schools/Youth Rugby: Stewart’s Melville and Dollar gear up for overdue Conference clash

8 December 2021 Alan Lorimer 1

Merchiston Castle finished their campaign with impressive win over George Watson’s …

Tom Currie carries the ball for Merchiston during an epic tussle with Dollar at Colinton.

Schools/Youth Rugby: tight at top in the East – Hutchesons’ Grammar clinch West Schools U18 Conference

17 November 2021 Alan Lorimer 3

Meanwhile, decline in playing numbers bites in the Borders where two matches are called off …

Boroughmuir defeated Stewart’s-Melville College during the pool stage of the festival and ended up as Scotland's top-ranked team, finishing third overall. Image: Steve Langmead

Schools/Youth Rugby: Boroughmuir excel in Merchiston Festival

20 October 2021 Alan Lorimer 9

Coaches from both the schools and the club sectors call for greater integration in Scotland …