Season Roundup: Heriot’s Rugby Club 2024/25

As another season wraps up at Heriot’s Rugby Club, we take a moment to reflect on what has been a year of remarkable growth, grit and unforgettable moments across both the men’s and women’s sections.

Heriot’s Rugby Men: Strength in Numbers and Spirit

Under the guidance of Director of Rugby – Men’s, Neil Meikle, the Heriot’s Rugby Men’s teams go from strength to strength. With training numbers consistently over 70 players and three competitive XVs fielded every league weekend, the club showcased its depth and ambition this season.

At the annual dinner, Heriot’s Rugby 1st XV Head Coach, Bob McKillop, said “We used 55 players in the Premiership, which is evidence of the quality of the overall squad. Our 1st XV finished second in the first Premiership season – captained by Ruaridh Leishman, who not only led the team superbly, but finished as our top try scorer. Our 2nd XV finished second in the Inter City Reserve League Division 1, and gave a good account of themselves in a Scottish Cup semi-final against Glasgow Accies. Our 2A XV won the East Reserve League, losing only one game all season, and will next season play in the newly formed Inter City Reserve League Division 2 – for a team only re-launched two seasons ago this is great progress.”

Individual excellence was also on show, with several players representing Scotland’s Emerging and U20 setups: Pat Spence, Angus Hunter, Kerr Yule, Hamish Macarthur, Cammy Scott, Lewis Wells and Sinjin Broad. Euan McLaren also represented the UAE national side and Dylan Neill featured in the program of Scotland U19 games at the tail end of the season.

Bob bid farewell to two loyal 1XV players who decided to hang up their boots at the end of the season. He said, “Both Michael Liness and Chris Keen played a major part in our league campaign last season, and have long rugby careers with many highlights and a lot to be proud of. They are also both superb human beings and have contributed a lot to the club on and off the field.” 

To wrap up a season of many wins, a special mention goes to our season award winners who collected their well-deserved trophies at our annual dinner:

• 1XV Player of the Year – Michael Liness
• 2XV Player of the Year – Thomas Dunn
• 2AXV Player of the Year – Johan Lorimer 
• Young Player of the Year – Pat Spence
• Most improved player – Noah Sakapaji
• President’s Prize – Jamie Parker

It was a night to remember thanks to former Scotland Captain Kelly Brown who graced us with his presence as guest speaker (and singer), and had a whole room of nails singing and dancing. 

Heriot’s Rugby Women: Resilience, Revival and Belonging

This season highlighted the character of Heriot’s Rugby Women squad – after a hard start to the season the commitment of players was rewarded with gritty wins and renewed purpose. As Team Manager Charlotte ‘Chaz’ Harrison candidly put it:

“To say this season got off to a shitter is an understatement… But what we did have was a group of young women determined to make it a success.”

Coach Carl brought belief and adaptability and was later joined by Coach Sarah ‘Quicky’ Quick, who transformed the scrums, and Hasan Gurhan Ilter, who “came in as a calm head and found himself whether he wanted to or not as team agony aunt.” Chaz commended Hasan for the time and care he has for each player, which “is to be admired and he has had a huge impact on our culture.”

The League was a baptism of fire but wins against Garioch and Stewartry signalled progress. Despite challenges, the team stayed together, welcoming new faces along the way.

But it was in the Cup that the squad truly came alive. With front rowers Millie and Alison away representing Edinburgh Rugby, others stepped up such as Most Improved Player, Madie Dadie, making the position of prop her own. Close games with Cougars and Stirling set us up for our first ever win against Watsonians on their home turf. We rounded up the season with a comfortable win against Garioch and a not so comfortable win at home to Cartha.

“The pride these women have to be part of this team is clear… the rugby is often less important than the sense of belonging and family this club provides”, Chaz said.

With a preseason tour to Sweden on the horizon, a talented group of young players coming through, and a new Head Coach, the season of 2025/26 is looking bright.

Our women’s season awards:

• Player of the Year — Kay Lusby
• Young Player of the Year — Morven Thomson
• Most Improved Player — Matilde Dadie

To all players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters – thank you.

Here’s to a season of transition, tenacity and triumph. Heriot’s Rugby Club is more than just a club – it’s a family. The best is yet to come.