Record-breaking Evolution Festival lights up Hive Stadium

Hosted in partnership with the Scottish Rugby Development team, the morning was all about the future of the game, bringing together U10, U12, and U14 players for what turned out to be the largest Evolution event ever held in Scotland.

The back pitches were a blur of club colours for three hours as the girls got stuck into games, training drills, and a few rounds of Rugby Golf.

For some of our youngest visitors, the morning also included a peek behind the curtain with a tour of the stadium facilities before the stands began to fill up.

Reflecting on the day, Edinburgh Rugby Community Delivery Officer Andrew Lamont was quick to credit the collective effort.

“It was a brilliant day for everyone involved, and a huge thank you has to go to the Rugby Development team for their work in making the festival happen,” said Lamont.

“Seeing over 350 girls out on the pitches enjoying their rugby is what it’s all about. They really brought the stadium to life and gave the match day a fantastic energy.”

That energy moved from the back pitches to the main stage as over 30 different clubs took part in the Guard of Honour.

It was a great sight to see so many local jerseys – from Berwick and Kelso to Montrose and Fife – worn proudly as the players ran out.

The clubs involved included Berwick, Boroughmuir, Currie, Dalkeith, Dunbar, Gala, Haddington, Kelso, Lasswade, Leith, Melrose, Murrayfield Wanderers, Musselburgh, North Berwick, Peebles, Penicuik, Preston Lodge, Stew Mel Lionesses, Watsonians, West Linton Lions, Strathendrick, Montrose, Dundee, Falkirk, McLaren, Madras, Howe of Fife, Glenrothes and Dunfermline.

With a sold-out Main Stand cheering them on, the girls took to the pitch one more time at half-time for a Length of Honour.

With 53 representatives from every team involved, it was a brilliant moment to recognise the hard work being done by the coaches and volunteers at the grassroots level who keep these clubs thriving.

Saturday was a reminder of how much the girls’ game is growing, and we’re grateful to every player, parent, and club who travelled to be part of an amazing day of rugby in the capital.