Season 2004-5 Archived News Articles

Tuesday 5th July : BATS Rugby Summer Camp.
This is an exciting opportunity for young players to improve rugby skills, have fun and make new friends. We are offering a three-day rugby camp at Accies. The camp is open to all boys, even if you haven't played before, who will be in S1, S2 or S3 after the summer. The dates of the camp are 9th, 10th and 11th of August. For more information please email Jonny Else ( ) or phone him on 07808 922 577.

Thursday 23rd June : John's Lions Tour.
Read all about John Wright's trip round New Zealand with the 2005 British & Irish Lions by clicking here.

Monday 13th June : Touch Rugby.
Touch rugby will start tomorrow, Tuesday 14th June, and will run Tuesdays and Thursdays through to Thursday 7 July. Jonny Else will be organising it combined with Broughton and Trinity. Meet at Raeburn Place at 6.45pm. "All welcome !" IAB.

Thursday 9th June : Cricket players wanted.
Are you missing the thrill of appearing at Raeburn Place in the summer? Then come down and get a game of cricket at the home of rugby/cricket in Edinburgh. Accies Cricket Club run two teams and are always happy to accommodate new players. The 1st XI plays in the National League South and the 2nd XI in the East League 5th division. Open to all players of all standards, whether it be competitive league cricket or more of a social game, then there are opportunities for all, at all levels.
For further details please contact the 1st XI captain, Shaun McWilliam (Accies 4XV stalwart/social legend/knackered player) on 07799 343385 or on . All standards welcome, even for just the occasional game.

Thursday 19th May : Rugby Development Officer, Edinburgh BATs Rugby.
As part of forming Edinburgh BATs Rugby we are looking at appointing a full time rugby/sports development officer to work with young people in the North Edinburgh area.

Candidates will be expected to have: experience of coaching young people, an SRU or equivalent coaching qualification, good knowledge of the operation of youth rugby, confident and effective communication skills and the ability to motivate themselves and others.

If you know any one who may be interested, or you are interested your self, a more detailed job description and further information can be obtained after 25 May from -- Ian Henderson or 0131 552 4525.

Thursday 19th May : EAFC Annual General Meeting.
At the AGM held on 29 April Robert Miller took over as President of Accies replacing Hamish Mitchell, who had been President for the last two years. At the well attended meeting there were presentations about the development at Raeburn place and the setting up of the new rugby club for 13-19 year olds Edinburgh BATs Rugby.

There was much discussion on the development of the Raeburn Place Hotel and the Accies clubhouse and changing rooms about how it would effect the Club and what the conditions were around the development. An update will be placed on the web site re this soon. If any member would like to be involved in sitting on one of the various groups finalising the agreements with Festival Inns, please contact the Club.

The meeting was told about the progress of setting up of Edinburgh BATs Rugby, which will be up and running for the beginning of the new season. Registering and getting Community Amateur Sports Club status are progressing and recruitment of coaches and volunteers is going well. BATs will run seven teams - S1, S2, U15, U16, U18, U19 and a development side which it is hoped will play in the third team league. this exciting development takes forward the association between Broughton, Trinity Accies and Edinburgh Accies that has worked so well over the last three years. In addition we will have an association with Napier University next season. More information will be made available shortly.

Thursday 28th April : Green light to build new clubhouse.
As briefly mentioned a few days ago, we now have the go ahead to build a new clubhouse at Raeburn Place, after the Scottish Executive stepped into a row over planning permission. The £5.5million proposal involves knocking down the current clubhouse, extending the Raeburn House Hotel and building an new clubhouse to the north of the current one. There will be no reduction to the number of rugby pitches or the cricket area.

The joint plan between Festival Inns and Accies, to create a 63-bed hotel and the new clubhouse, is key to the club's survival. It will not only secure our future but we will have new clubhouse, medical, stoarage and changing facilities.

The plan had been turned down twice by Edinburgh City Council before the Executive intervened. The original plans were submitted three years ago and again last June. They proved to be unpopular with more than 80 objections, mainly from local residents who raised concerns over increased noise, traffic and parking problems. While the original proposal was rejected by councillors, the Executive has approved the revised plan. "The development would enhance the appearance of the conservation area and will have a positive effect on the listed building [the hotel]," said an Executive spokesman.

We hope that the new buildings will greatly enhance the area and that our ability to retain a hugely improved sports facility, open to all, will dispel any lingering doubts some of the neighbours had.

When we have further information about the development we will let you know.

Tuesday 26th April : Weekend Results.
After hearing the good news about the planning appeal it was back to action for various seven sides at the weekend. The 1st Seven lost to Selkirk in the second round of the Langholm 7s, having beaten the home side in the first round. The 2nd 7 went out early in the Penicuik 7s and the BATs 7 lost to Broughton in the semi final of the Broughton 7s.

It was left to the U16s to bring back the trophies last weekend to add to their success in the National 15 a side Competitions. The boys won the Peebles 10s, coming out top in a round robin against Peebles and Currie. That was followed up by victory in Accies own 10s, again coming top of a round robin involving Gala, Royal High and Haddington. Congratulations to Andy Lamb - voted player of the year - and Paul Gray - most improved player. Well done again lads!! Click here for more details

Wednesday 20th April : Appeal Against Refusal of Planning Application.
We're reliably informed that the appeal lodged by The Edinburgh Academical Sports Club & Festival Inns Ltd. has been successful ! More to follow as full details become available.

Thursday 14th April : EAFC Annual Dinner.
The Annual Dinner of the Club will be on Friday the 6 May at The Adam Room of the George Hotel, Edinburgh. The guest speakers will be Drew Penman, Nigel Brown and Mike Mayer. Dress is formal and tickets are £30 for students/under 21 and £40 for others. There is an excellent menu and quality wines from £12 a bottle in aid of club funds. The seating will be at round tables of 10. For an application form click here. If you require further information call John Wright (H) 01620 842392, (M) 0771 757 0095 or e-mail

Thursday 14th April : Touch rugby, fitness and rugby training.
Ian Barnes, aka Barney, advises that;
(1) Touch rugby will start on Tuesday 14 June and will run Tuesdays and Thursdays through to Thursday 7 July. Jonny Else will be organising it. It will be combined with Broughton and Trinity and may be at either Wardie or Bangolm depending on softball.
(2) Neil Mackenzie will start fitness training on Tuesday 12 July and it will run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until Saturday 6 August. Again it will be combined with Broughton and Trinity and may be at either Wardie and Bangholm depending on softball.
(3) Rugby training will start on Tuesday 9 August. First league game is on Saturday 27 August.

Monday 11th April : Highland 7's Triumph !
Bad weather conditions but a very good performance from a young Accies side. Great to see Morris Dillon back in the blue & white hoops as he and Greig Campbell proved to be the Accies best players.
RESULTS : Pool games : Highland Eagles 7 - Accies 12, Accies 22 - Isle of Mull 0, Accies 45 - RAF Lossiemouth 7. Semi-Final of the Lauder Cup : Accies 19 - Caithness 15. Final : Accies 38 - Highland 14.

Monday 4th April : Weekend Result.
The 1XV lost their last game of the season 12-22 to Jedforest. It was a disappointing end after some good wins in the last few weeks - though Gavin Douglas scored one of the best solo tries seen at Raeburn Place for a long while, starting in his own 22 and beating numerous players, chipping over a couple of other players and collecting after the bounce to score. Click here for match report or click here for match programme.

The game was Malcolm McVie's last game for the 1XV, deciding after a long run of regular 1XV rugby to 'hang up his boots' at that level - we hope to see Malcy with the 4XV next year. Thanks for everything you did Malcy, enjoy your rest. Pity his last few moments of his career were spent on his back after a punch left him worse for ware - the Jed bloke got a deserved red card!!

Friday 1st April : Saturdays fixtures - Douglas Elliot remembered.
Before the 1XV game on Saturday we will be holding a one minutes silence in memory of the late Douglas Elliot who died two weeks ago. Saturdays game is the last league game and the last 15 a side game for this season for the 1XV. The game is against Jedforest and the ko is at 3pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

Wednesday 30th March : Last Saturday's 1XV Result.
The 1XV had a good win down at Kelso on Saturday 5-3. With injuries, illness and unavailability the three-quarters (nos 11 to 15) - were all either making their debut or playing their second or third game at 1XV level - all acquitted themselves well and deserve lots of credit for their efforts. Things were further disrupted within two minuets of the start when poor Finlay McPherson found himself in hospital with yet another dislocation of his shoulder - which meant no 12 went to 15, no 15 went to 11 and a new no 12!!! We all wish Finlay well and a quick recovery. Its always good to win in the Borders no matter what the score! Click here for match report.

Friday 25th March : Weeks Fixtures.
This weekend the 1XV play their penultimate league game for the season against Kelso at Kelso, kick off 3.00. There is no 2XV fixture but the Bats XV will play a combined Accies XV at Raeburn Place KO 3.00 and the 4XV are away to Panmuir - next stop Norway - ko 3.00.

Friday 25th March : Last weeks results and update on U16s.
Last weekend there were only two games. The Bats were defeated by Forrester in the cup by 35-18 and the 4XV beat Inverlieth 1XV 6 tries to 3 tries. In this game Joe Allison badly broke both bones in his lower leg and perhaps his ankle as well, the game was moved to the 2XV pitch because of the time it took the ambulance service to move Joe to hospital. I am sure we all wish Joe a speedy recovery.

The U16s were due to play Hawick at Raeburn on Sunday in the 3rd/4th place play off, however Hawick could not raise a team due to injuries/borders squad sessions and were unable to fulfil the fixture. This means that by default the U16s are a very creditable 3rd in the National Competition. Well done to all involved, the players who have worked so hard and the coaches who have produced a good team. This team which has been together for a number of years now moves up to U18 level, which probably means a not such a good season next year as they are a young U18 - though it will stand them well for the following year at U18. To see a match report of their semi-final v Gala two weeks ago click here.

Friday 18th March : Weekend fixtures.
This Saturday the Bats XV play Forrester 2XV away in the quarter finals of their cup, ko at 12.00. the 4X play Inverlieth 2XV at Raeburn Place ko 1.30. On Sunday the Under 16s play Hawick in the 3rd/4th play-offs of their National Competition at Raeburn Place. The U16s beat Hawick a couple of weeks ago in their mini league. Neither the 1XV or 2XV have fixtures.

Friday 18th March : End of Season Tour to Toulouse.
The club end of season tour to Toulouse will take part over the weekend of 12th-15th May 2005. For up to date details and a booking form click here (NB: 1.37MB .rtf doc). If you need more information call/e-mail David Parker 0131 315 4967 or . There are further details on tour and Rugby du Monde, our hosts, in entry of 14 December below.

Thursday 17th March : Last weekend results.
The 2XV lost to Gala 44-6 in a league game, the 3XV lost and the Bats XV - having got a walk over on a 'no show' against Penicuik last week - beat Penicuik 25-14 in the next round of the cup; work that one out if you can!!!! The 4XV showed at least one Scottish side could beat a Welsh side defeating the London Welsh Occies (Occasionnals) touring team 31-12.

The U16s played their national semi on Saturday against Gala the result of which was a 27 points to 13 win for Gala. Looks like a 3rd & 4th play off against Hawick next Sunday at Raeburn Place.

Tuesday 15th March : W I D ELLIOT.
We were very saddened to hear of the death of Douglas Elliot, at the age of 81, last Friday. Douglas played for Accies between 1942 and 1957 and was the regular choice for Scotland between 1947 and 1954, playing 29 games and captaining his country on seven occasions. He was the outstanding back-row forward of his generation, regarded as one of the best - if not the best - in the world. Douglas was selected for the 1950 Lions tour but could not afford to be away for six months thus missed out.

Douglas was a player of striking physique, he had a long powerful stride which produced an exceptional turn of speed enabling him to repeatedly tackle a three-quarter, who having broken through, would normally have been clear of any covering forward. He pushed his full weight in set scrums, was a grand dribbler and a formidable spearhead of many a forward rush and had a fine positional sense. Douglas left the Academy too young to make his mark in School football, but he became one of the game's great players.

All of us at Raeburn Place will miss him and extend our sincere sympathies to Douglas's family. [For the tribute that appeared in yesterday's Scotsman please click here].

Tuesday 15th March : Weekend Results.
The 1XV produced their best result of the season by beating Stirling 24-17 and in doing so taking away their unbeaten league record. Both sides were missing players through injury and representational duties, but Accies fully deserved their victory. It was a fitting leaving present for 'Staff' - Adam Stafford - who left on Sunday to go back to Darwin via Rome and Brisbane. To see match report click here. To download a copy of the match programme please click here.

Saturday 12th March : Weekend fixtures.
After the good win last week the 1XV play Stirling - the run away leaders (and winners) of the league - at Raeburn Place ko 3pm. This will be a good test for the 1XV who are looking more and more like a team as the weeks go by. Lets hope for a good day and a game as exciting as those over the last two weekends. I have no details of other fixtures to hand yet.

The under 16s play their semi-final of the National Competition on Saturday against Gala away ko 12.00. This is a tough game for the lads but they have been playing well as a team and have some outstanding players in the team. Its an important game with a place in the final on the international pitch Sunday week for the winners GOOD LUCK lads.

Thursday 10th March : Last weekends results.
The first team had an excellent win over Berwick 45-12 both reversing the dour performance in Northumberland at our last meeting earlier this season and leapfrogging them in the league. I missed the latest performance - perhaps I should stay away more!! For a report on the game click here. The 2XV's game with Aberdeen was cancelled by Aberdeen at the last moment on Friday evening - yet another 'cancellation fee' for a coach - but managed to get a late fixture against Boroughmuir 2XV and won (no score yet). The 3XV lost to Wanderers 24-14 and the Bats XV received a 'walk over' in a cup game with Penicuick.

Friday 4th March : Weekends fixtures.
This weekend it is back to the League for the 1XV after last weeks exciting cup game, They play Berwick at Raeburn Place ko 3.00, in a game we must win to have a chance of overtaking Berwick in the table. The 2XV are at Aberdeen ko 3.00, the 3XV play Stirling if Stirling can find a side and the Bats play Penicuik. Please click here for the 1st and 2nd XV's Team Sheets.

Tuesday 1st March : Weekend results.
Bang, bang, bang, bang.......was not the sound of shooting echoing around Raeburn Place - during Accies 41-41 draw with Selkirk (after extra time) in the 5th round of the BT Cup - but the conceding of tries as Accies 'shot them selves in the foot'. So an exciting game - much more action than the dreary game the previous day at Murrayfield - which Accies lost on a try count 5 to 4. To download the weekends match programme please click here and for the match report please click here. Good luck to Selkirk in the next round.
There were two touring teams with us over the weekend and unfortunately the game against Biella was cancelled because of waterlogged pitches. However reports say they enjoyed the Friday trip to Castle Menzies and a distillery plus an evening of entertainment at Raeburn Place. The Bats played the other unnamed team at Broughton and won.

Tuesday 1st March : Mini/Youth News.
Good news from the U16s who have heard that Stirling beat Ayr in their re-arranged play off game. This means that Accies qualify for the semi finals and will play Gala, at Gala, on the weekend of 12th/13th March for a place in the final at Murrayfield on 20th March. Following the successful season two of the U16s - Tom Drennan and Stewart Walker - have been selected for the 30 man Edinburgh Integrated U16 Training Squad for the forthcoming Inter District Championship and Cross Border games. Well done to both of them - another Drennan on the 1XV scene shortly? Lets hope so!!
On 6 March the Accies annual mini tournament takes place at Raeburn Place starting at 11.00 with finals at 2.30. All age groups from P3 to P6 will be playing, with teams from Accies, North Berwick (the Lauder Mob?), Madras, Lasswade, Royal High and Watsonians taking part. All support welcome, if the rugby does not appeal - perhaps the mum's baking will.

Wednesday 23rd February : Fixtures for 26/27 February.
This weekend sees the 5th round of the cup and Accies play Selkirk at Raeburn Place on Sunday kick off 3.00. This is an important game for us and lots of support would be welcome. The next draw in the 100 club will also take place on Sunday first prize £450 second prize £50. On Saturday the Bats XV will play The Biella Boys at Wardie ko 10.00 and 4XV will play Edinburgh Northern 'over the wall' ko 10.00.

Wednesday 23rd February : Results 18/19 February.
The 1XV beat Kirkcaldy convincingly 33-9 getting a bonus point as well, click here for match report. The 2XV had a good win over Premier club Currie's 2XV 32-28 after a great first half in which they scored 27 points, the 3XV lost to Dunfermline 27-15, the 4XV had an unexpected loss to Watsonians 36-0 who they had beaten twice already this season (Watsonians 1XV game had been cancelled on Friday!!!). The Bats team beat Edinburgh Uni 20-17 and the U16s beat Stirling County 11-7 giving them an excellent chance of reaching the semi-finals of the National Play-offs. For a match report click here.

Tuesday 22nd February : Summary of last week.
Unfortunately our webmaster has been ill and could do no updates last week. Welcome back Alastair hope you are better. Here is a summary of the missing items. The results for 11/12th February were: The U16s great run of wins came to an end with a 27-0 loss to Hawick. In an entertaining game at Raeburn Place the 3XV had a good win over Edinburgh Northern 1XV 30-12, it was good to see Mike Smart and Ron McNab giving those players less than a third of their age, the benefits of their experience in return for having someone do the running for them. The Bats XV beat Leith 1XV 33-7. The U16s were at Murrayfield last Saturday to pick up their trophy for winning their league. The trophy was presented at half time of the Edinburgh v Leinster game. I hope you enjoyed your day boys. For last weekends match programme please click here.

Tuesday 22nd February : Welsh Weekend.
Its getting near the Welsh Dinner to be held in the Academy School Hall on Friday 11th March. The guest speakers will be Jim Renwick and Brynnmor Williams. Please give us your support to make it another good night. For information click here and for a booking form click here. Further information from David Parker by e-mail or phone 0131 315 4967 or look at entry below for 19 January.

Friday 11th February : Fixtures for 12/13 February.
There is no 1XV or 2XV games this weekend. The 3XV/4XV play Edinburgh Northern at Raeburn Place ko 12.00 and BATs XV play Leith 1XV away ko 12.00.

On Sunday the U16s continue their National Play-off games playing Hawick at Raeburn Place ko 13.00. I hear the team played well last week against Ayr, so as much support as possible please to cheer them on towards their second win.

Tuesday 8th February : Last Weekend Results.
The U16s played Ayr in the first game of the National Play-offs, they put up a excellent performance and won 17-5, click here for full match report. Next Sunday they play Hawick at Raeburn Place, why not turn up and support them and see the next generation of 1XV. Wonder who Barney will shout for?

It was good to see that for morning kick offs for the Accies teams we managed to put four senior sides out on the park. Well done to those who organise the teams. There was no 1XV league game so the first team played struggling Premier Division Watsonians who came with 75% of their full team. In an entertaining game which Accies played well we deservedly won three tries to two, 15-10. Accies should have had one other try but the referee was unsighted when Banger drove himself over the line through a few players. The 2XV lost to Edinburgh Wanderers 12-29, the 3XV lost to Boroughmuir and the 4XV beat Forresters 35-10.

Friday 4th February : Fixtures 5th/6th February.
This weekend is the start of the Six Nations and there is no 1XV league game. Instead the 1XV will play a friendly against Watsonians at Raeburn Place ko 11.30. The main game of the weekend is on Sunday when the U16s play the first game in their National Play-offs against Ayr away ko 13.15. We wish them all the best for Sunday and their next two games, which are at Raeburn Place on the following two Sundays. The other games this weekend, on Saturday, are 2XV v Murrayfield Wanderers away ko 11.30, 3XV v Boroughmuir away ko 11.30, 4XV v Foresters at Raeburn Place ko 11.30. No game fixed for BATs yet.

Wednesday 2nd February : Mini Tournament.
The Minis will be having their annual tournament at Raeburn Place on Sunday 6th March from 11.00am to 2.30am. Frank has most areas covered but it would be good if we could have some bodies who could help out on the day and generally give support to organisers and, just as importantly, our teams. Please contact Frank Spratt through the EASC office on 0131 315 3298 or by e-mail .

Tuesday 1st February : Teams Results for 29 January.
The 1XV lost 19-10 last weekend in a game we needed to win and should have at least gained a bonus point. The 2XV lost to GHA 31-13, the 3XV beat Currie 3XV 28-16, the 4XV won 60-5 against Watsonians and the BATs XV lost 20-10 to Murrayfield Wanderers. For the 1st & 3rd XV's match reports please click here.

Friday 28th January : Saturday's Fixtures 29 January.
After last weeks mainly blank Saturday lets hope for a better day this week. The 1XV are away at Selkirk ko, 3.00, in yet another must win game - especially after missing out on a bonus point against Peebles and Berwick getting another bonus point whilst losing last week. The 2XV play GHA at home ko 2.30, the 3XV play Currie away ko 2.30 and the 4XV play Watsonians at home ko 2.30. We expect to get a BATs team but are awaiting a fixture.

Monday 24th January : Last weekend.
The 1st XV game was cancelled last weekend due to the pitch being frozen following recent wet weather. To read the Coach's comments and other notes from the unused programme click here.

Monday 24th January : U16 competition.
On the 19th February the U16s have been invited to Murrayfield to be presented with the Edinburgh League Cup at half time in the Edinburgh v Leinster Celtic league game. Their National Play-off games have been confirmed and these are as follows:-
* Ayr v Accies - 6 February
* Accies v Hawick - 13 February
* Accies v Stirling County - 20 February
The other Group comprises Gala, Howe of Fife, Haddington and Hillhead Jordanhill. The top two in each group go forward to semi finals on 13 March with the final played on the main pitch at Murrayfield on 20 March. The non qualifiers from the group stages have play off games to rank teams 5-8. All support, particularly at home games, would be most welcome.

Friday 21st January : Weekends Fixtures 22 January.
These are the games for Saturday - ALL KICK-OFFS AT 2.30. 1XV v Stirling home, 2XV v Cartha Queens Park away, 3XV RHC home, BATs v Watsonians 4 away and 4XV Dunfirmline away.

Thursday 20th January : Junior Team Results 15 January.
The 2XV beat Edinburgh Uni 18-12 for match report click here, the 3XV beat Livingston away 42-12 for match report click here, the 4XV beat Edinburgh Wanderers 78-14 at New Field and the BATs lost away to Biggar 3XV 15-5.

Wednesday 19th January : International Weekend Dinners.
Due to our inability to secure the quality of speakers that we would wish for the proposed Irish Dinner - we have decided to concentrate all our efforts on the Welsh Dinner which will be held in the Academy School Hall on Friday 11th March. For full information click here and for a booking form click here. The guest speakers will be Jim Renwick and Brynnmor Williams. Please give us your support to make it another good night. Further information from David Parker by e-mail or phone 0131 315 4967.

Tuesday 18th January : Amendments to Motions for the SRU SGM.
There will be a meeting of EAFC about the 40+ amendments to Motions for the SRU SGM. This will take place in the Accies Clubhouse on Wednesday 26th @ 7.30pm. For a copy of the proposed amendments please click here.

Monday 17th January : 1st XV Weekend result.
After a game we should have won by a bucket full the 1XV scrambled a win 25-22 against Peebles. A wins a win, but we didn't get the bonus point we should have got - without a bonus point and with Berwick loosing we are now level on points but behind on points scored difference. That bonus point could mean a lot at the final count up - lets hope not! Click here for the 1st XV match report.

Friday 14th January : Weekend's fixtures 15 January.
After last weekends washout lets hope for better conditions this week. The games are 1XV v Peebles - away ko 3.00, 2XV v Edinburgh Uni - home 2.00, 3XV v Livingston - away 2.00 and 4XV Murrayfield Wanderers home - 2.00. There is no news of the BATs fixture yet though we hope to get one.

Wednesday 12th January : SRU Genesis Review.
The meeting held at Raeburn Place on 5 January to discuss the Club's position on the SRU Genesis Review was well attended and had some lively debate. To see a summary of the main points and the overall view of the members who attended click here. John White and Vince will be spending their time before final amendments need submitting to the SRU, networking with other clubs to ensure our position is recognised in any amendments submitted - good luck to them!
It will be interesting to see what effect the vote of no confidence in and the subsequent surprise 'resignation' of the Chairman and non-executives has on the AGM to be held on 30 January. The General Committee who 'sacked' David Mackay were the ones who were against the reforms needed, especially in Governance, and the ones who are purported to have lead the game over the last few years - effectively allowing it to drift into a dead end - and where we find ourselves now!! David Mackay deserved better treatment than this, he was at least addressing the issues even though everyone may not have agreed with all the recommendations, he will be missed.

Wednesday 12th January : Last weekends Matches.
All games were cancelled last weekend due to the amount of rain over the preceding few days. The pitches were waterlogged and though dried out abit by 2.00 not fit to use. To read the Coach's comments and other notes from the unused programme click here.

Wednesday 5th January: Back to business......
First I would like to wish you a good New Year on behalf of Edinburgh Accies, lets hope it brings you and the club much success. Last year saw the club gained promotion to the second division of the league where we currently find ourselves in seventh position,many points behind Stirling County - who are head and shoulders better than the rest of the league - 12 points behind Dundee in fifth place and three points behind Berwick in sixth place.

As yet no decision has been taken about the league structures for next season (where have I heard this before!) and therefore we need to finish as high up the league as possible, so any reduction in the league through reorganisation does not leave us playing in a lower division . After working so hard to re-establish ourselves in the last two seasons this would be most unsatisfactory. Consequently, as we get back to league rugby on Saturday - Jedforest at Raeburn Place kick off at 2.00 - it is important that we get into full swing and start winning at home again. We must ensure we beat all those sides below and just above us, whilst winning some of those games against the leading teams.

Your support is needed at every game. I look forward to seeing you at Raeburn Place on Saturday.

Wednesday 5th January: 100 Club Draws.
A revised list of the draws for the EAFC 100 Club has been produced. To see latest timetable click here. The next draw will be on Saturday after the Jedforest game.

Thursday 23rd December : Rugby and club opening over Christmas/New Year.
League rugby takes a rest till 8th January and the traditional Boxing Day game will not take place for various reasons. To keep you entertained - and help blow the Christmas cobwebs out - a 10 a side knock-out touch tournament will be held at Raeburn Place starting at 1.30pm on Thursday 30th December. Each of the eight teams will contain a mixture of players from Accies 1,2,3, and 4XVs, Broughton and Trinity players and a young player/school boy. The clubhouse will be open before, during and after the games. We look forward to a good afternoons entertainment and hearty chat in the club house. This has been declared a Genesis free day!!!

From the 22nd the clubhouse (bar) will only be open on the 30th and 31st December for the touch tournament and the Southern Hemisphere New Year celebrations. It will be closed all other times untill 8th January.

We would like to thank all our players, members and supporters for their support this year and like to wish everyone all the very best for Christmas and hope you have a good New Year !

Thursday 23rd December : Last weekends scores/match report.
1XV v Dundee High lost 56 -12. A disappointing end to 2004. We now take a couple of weeks off from league rugby which starts again on 8 January v Jed Forest at Raeburn Place. For those with 'iron constitutions' click here for match report.

Friday 17th December : Equal Opportunities Policy.
The Edinburgh Academical Sports Centre has recently reviewed and brought up-to-date it's Equal Opportunity Policy. This policy will be applied by all the different clubs that belong to the Sports Centre including rugby. To see the policy click here. A permanent copy will be on the notice board at Raeburn Place and in the Membership page of this web site.

Wednesday 15th December : Fixture for 18th December.
The 1st XV play Dundee HSFP away, ko 14.00, in their last fixture of 2004. Please click here for the 1st XV Squad List (.xls format) for this weekend.

Wednesday 15th December : Scottish Rugby Business Plan 2005-2009.
Scottish Rugby President Gordon Dixon, Chairman David Mackay and Chief Executive Phil Anderton presented the Four Year Strategic Plan to member clubs, media and Scottish Rugby staff at Murrayfield on Sunday 12th December. Download the plan by clicking here (NB: .pdf format, 2.68MB). The SRU welcome all comments on this Plan. Please let them know your thoughts by emailing them at:

Tuesday 14th December : Welsh Weekend Dinner - Booking Form.
Further to the information given last week about the Welsh Weekend Dinner a booking form has been added for you to complete and send to David Parker. For full information click here and for a booking form click here. If you require further information or would like to book a place or table for the dinner, please contact David Parker by e-mail or phone 0131 315 4967.

Tuesday 14th December : Accie Tour to France.
Further information on the tour to Toulouse over the weekend of 12th-15th May 2005 has been provided. For full details of the tour click here and for the History of Rugby du Monde, our hosts, click here. If you would like to go on the tour or need further information please contact David Parker by e-mail or phone 0131 315 4967.

Tuesday 14th December : Match Programme from 11/12/04 Online.
Please click here for extracts (.pdf format) from last weekends match programme including Coach's Comments, Accies In The News, President's Welcome, Mini & Midi Rugby and Edinburgh Academy Rugby.

Tuesday 14th December : Win a set of George Nicoll golf clubs.
To celebrate the re-launch of the famous George Nicoll brand, Heritage Golf of St Andrews offers a chance to win a full set of George Nicoll Legacy Series irons ! To enter the competition, either visit Heritage Golf of St Andrews, Largo Road (next to Safeway), St Andrews, KY16 8PJ, Tel: 01334 477299 or E-mail your name to . The competition will be drawn on 21st December 2004. The full range of products on offer from Heritage Golf can be seen at: www.heritage-golf.co.uk.

Tuesday 14th December : Accies Under 16's reach National Competition.
Last Sunday the Accies U16s beat Linlithgow 48-0 to finish top of the Edinburgh District League. This means the team will now take part in the National competition which starts in the New Year. This is a tremendous result for all the boys and their coaches Andrew Walker and Pete Drennan. Congratulations to all the players and coaches involved.

Monday 13th December : Last weekend results.
The match results last weekend were; 1XV v Haddington lost 9-17 - for match report click here, 3XV/BATXV v Boroughmuir lost 7-21, 4XV v Caledonian Thebans won 104-3. The 2XV game (for the second time in three weekends) was cancelled at 10pm the night before, this time the excuse was the referee called off! We shall make some enquiries!!

Thursday 9th December : Stockbridge Touch Tournament 30 December.
As Boxing Day is on a Sunday this year there will be no game at Raeburn Place and consequently the club will be closed, the annual auction will take place at a date yet to be announced.
As a replacement for the Boxing Day event we have arranged the Stockbridge BAT's Touch Tournament to be held at Raeburn Place on Thursday 30 December starting at 1.30pm. This is a 15 min per half, knockout tournament, with eight invitational sides representing such personalities as Ian Barnes, George Menzies, Al Fenton, BJ, David Parker, Jonny Else, Jason Parrott, and Gerry Love and David Barnes from Broughton and Trinity resp. Each side will be made up of players from Accies 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4thXVs along with Broughton and Trinity players.
The clubhouse will be open before, during and after the games, all members of Accies, Broughton and Trinity and their friends and families are welcome. So put the date in your diary and get down to the club for the last matches of 2004. It will be good to see you there. Any queries to the Head Coach on or to .

Thursday 9th December : Fixtures for 11th December.
1XV v Haddington at home ko 14.00, 2XV v Ayr away at Millbrae ko 14.00. Please click here for the 1st & 2nd XV's Squad Lists (.xls format) for this weekend.

Tuesday 7th December : Genesis Review Update.
EAFC hoped to meet this week to discuss the Genesis Review, had it been published. The Meeting will now take place on Wednesday, 5th Janaury. Watch this space for details of the report and the direct link to the SRU website for the full Report - on or about 14th December.

Tuesday 7th December : Lucky Escape.
Charlie Williams, who played for the 1XV whilst studying at Edinburgh University, had an extremely lucky escape a couple of months ago. Making his third parachute jump he survived falling 3500 feet from an aircraft after his parachute became tangled around his legs and failed to open properly. Charlie - who is now a platoon commander in The Irish Guards - escaped serious injury when he crashed through the tin roof of a mud hut in Kenya, cracking three vertebrae and dislocating a finger, and frightening the hell out of a crowd of Kenyans. Charlie is currently back in the UK still receiving treatment but expected to make a full recovery and rejoin his unit in January. All at Accies wish Charlie a speedy recovery.

Tuesday 7th December : Players and Helpers Christmas Lunch.
A reminder that on Sunday 19 December the Accies' Players and Helpers Christmas Lunch and Carols will take place at 12.30 in the club house at Raeburn Place. Tickets are limited and going fast. Contact Stewart Paterson, Gordon Wallace or David Parker for bookings. Click here for further information.

Monday 6 December : Two tours and a dinner.
This year Accies will be touring in France over the weekend of 12th - 15th May. If you would like to go on this tour please contact David Parker details below. On the weekend of the Scotland Italy game the Biella boys are back in town and making a welcome return to Raeburn Place, click here for details.
After the successful dinner last year before the Scotland England game we will repeat the event on Friday 11 March, the eve of the Welsh game, click here for full details. If you require further information or would like to book a place or table for the dinner, please contact David Parker by e-mail or phone 0131 315 4967. This event is already creating alot of intrest, so book quickly.

01/12/04 : Fixtures for 4th December.
1XV v Murrayfield Wanderers away ko 15.00, 2XV v Jedforest 2 home ko 14.00, 3XV v Linlithgow 3 home ko 14.00, 4XV v Forresters 2 New Field ko 14.00 and BATs to be confirmed but away ko 14.00. The 1,2 and 3XV's games are all league fixtures. Please click here for the 1st & 2nd XV's Squad Lists (.xls format) for this weekend.

29/11/04 : Raeburn Place News.
Rugby League at Raeburn Place on Sunday 12th December ! Scotland Students v Australian Universities. Kick Off 2.00pm. Free Entry.

25/11/04 : Fixtures for 27th & 28th November.
This Sunday the 1st XV take on Stewarts Melville at Home and the 2nds play Murrayfield Wanderers away, both KO's are 2pm. On Saturday the 3rds play Haddington away and Scotland take on Tri Nations Champions South Africa at Murrayfield, KO at 2.45pm. Please click here for the 1st & 2nd XV's Squad Lists (.xls format) for this weekend.

25/11/04 : BT Cup Round 5 Draw.
Accies have been drawn at Home in their BT Cup 5th Round clash, to be played on 27th February @ 2pm, for a place in the Quarter Finals. The opposition will be either Selkirk or Cambuslang, who play their remaining tie two weeks before. Club Captain, Malcolm McVie was on hand to watch the draw made by David Mackay, Scottish Rugby's chairman, and Pierre Danon, chief executive of BT Retail.

22/11/04 : 21st November BT Cup Result.
The 1st XV played Haddington at home in Round 4 of the BT Cup on Sunday and came away victors by 21 points to 17.

17/11/04 : Raeburn Place Social News.
A pre match lunch will be held on "Derby Day", Sunday 28/11/04, before the League game against Stew Mel. To reserve your places please contact Willie Liston on Tel: (W) 01698 503 610 or (H) 0131 332 9744. Please remember that only the first 40 people will get a seat.

06/11/04 : Berwick 13:8 Accies.
Accies 1st XV travelled to Berwick while the 2nds travelled to Malleny Park where the score was Currie 32:13 Accies. Please click here for the days 1st & 2nd XV Squad Lists (.xls format)

30/10/04 : Perthshire 12:16 Accies.
Accies 1st XV's first challange in the 2004/5 BT Cup was against Perthshire at Gannochy Sports Pavillion. Brothers Matthew and Patrick Coupar both took to the field, one wearing the black and white of Perthshire and the other in the sky blue and white of Accies. Full pre-match article.

22/10/04 : SRU Review of Rugby in Scotland.
A year ago the SRU instructed Genesis Communications to carry out a top to bottom Review of Rugby in Scotland. An Interim Report was issued in June and it was expected that the next Report would be published in November but this has been rescheduled to next month. This will be followed by a Special General Meeting of the Scottish Rugby Union on Sunday, 12th December. If you have any views, or points you wish the EAFC Committee to consider, on the November Report, please send them into in order that these may be collated. The URL, within www.scottishrugby.org, for the text of the Genesis Report will be on this website as soon as it is known.

13/10/04 : Planning Appeal Date Fixed.
As previously noted, the 2003/4 Planning Application for redevelopment of the Clubhouse was refused by the Planning Committee of the City of Edinburgh Council earlier this year by a vote of 6 to 5, despite the fact that the Application was recommended for approval by the Officials of the Council. An Appeal against this refusal was lodged and a date of 18th January 2005 has now been fixed by the Scottish Executive for the start of the Appeal. It has been scheduled for a Hearing of two weeks. The location for the Hearing has not yet been settled; more news on this will appear on this website in the near future.

03/09/04 : 1st Home Game of the Season + Family BBQ.
Accies take on Murrayfield Wanderers in the first home game of the Season at Raeburn Place at 15:00 this Saturday. Immediately after the game there will be a BBQ with tickets at £10 for adults (including a bottle of beer or glass of wine) and £5 for Under 18s. Come down, support the Team, and make the most of what's left of the summer.... See you there!

21/08/04 : New Website Launched !
As you can see the Accies website has been redesigned with the intention that it'll become an established means of communication between the club, it's members and the general public. If you have any suggestions (preferably constructive) or content offerings (eg. photos for the Gallery) then please mail them to

10/08/04 : Waiting is over as Acads launch bid.
For Edinburgh Acads the first step towards achieving a goal of back-to-back promotions into BT Rugby Premiership Division One begins tonight with a warm up clash at Currie. Full article

21/07/04 : Gavin Douglas joins Edinburgh Accies.
Accies are pleased to announce that 26-year-old utility back Gavin Douglas, one of the most prolific points scorers in Scottish rugby, will be lining up for EAFC when they return to Division Two of the BT Premiership next season. Full article

20/04/04 : Barnes knows what he wants.
Successful Edinburgh Academicals coach Ian Barnes has predicted back-to-back titles as the next step towards making the Raeburn Place outfit pre-eminent in BT Premiership rugby. Full article

19/04/04 : We're not going to sit back now.
Jubilant Edinburgh Accies skipper Malcolm McVie has warned BT Premiership Division Two clubs that the Raeburn Place outfit has no intention of resting on its laurels after securing the Division Three title in style on Saturday. Full article

19/04/04 : Accies blast past below-par Berwick to take title.
In the BT Premier Division 3 title-decider between the two promoted sides at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh Accies clinched top spot with a comprehensive 37-7 victory over a strangely subdued Berwick. Full article

18/04/04 : Accies get Wired in to championship success.
EDINBURGH AC 37-7 BERWICK : Edinburgh Accies became BT Premier Three league champions after this first-versus-second encounter and began their march back up the ladder. Full article