Evolution Festival set to kick-off Celtic Challenge clash

In what promises to be one of the largest girls’ rugby gatherings in the country, over 350 players from across Scotland will descend upon the back pitches of Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

The festival serves as the ultimate curtain-raiser for the Celtic Challenge clash between Edinburgh Rugby and Brython Thunder at Hive Stadium later that afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The Evolution Festivals are a staple of the Scottish Rugby calendar, moving across host grounds throughout the season. This month, Edinburgh Rugby takes the reins, helping to facilitate a massive tournament featuring girls at U10, U12, and U14 levels.

The scale of the event is a testament to the rapid growth of the women’s game. Teams traveling to the capital include:

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 and Fife.

The festival isn’t just about the morning matches; it’s about creating a seamless link between local clubs and the professional game.

Throughout the morning, non-playing Edinburgh Rugby stars will be on hand to meet the participants, offering coaching tips and inspiration to the next generation of players.

Once the festival concludes, every player, coach, and volunteer will head over to Hive Stadium to roar on the Edinburgh Rugby women’s team.

The festival participants will be central to the matchday experience, with a small number forming a Guard of Honour for the teams and taking part in a special ‘Length of Honour’ at half-time, allowing the Edinburgh faithful to celebrate the future stars of the sport

Edinburgh Rugby Community Delivery Officer, Andrew Lamont, spoke on the significance of the event.

He said: “Hosting this festival in partnership with Rugby Development is a massive highlight for us. It is going to be incredible to see over 350 girls involved in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest Evolution Festivals yet.

“Having this as part of the Edinburgh Rugby Women’s matchday is vital; it shows these young players exactly where their journey can lead.

“Seeing them transition from their own games in the morning to the stands of Hive Stadium in the afternoon creates a fantastic atmosphere and a real sense of community.”

Gavin Macrae, Regional Lead Manager – East, added: “It has been great to work alongside Edinburgh Rugby to bring this latest festival to the capital.

“Seeing such a high level of participation is incredibly encouraging and speaks volumes about the talent and passion within the girls’ game right now.

“For these players to watch the Edinburgh Rugby Women’s team in action later that afternoon provides a ‘full circle’ grassroots moment – inspiring them by showing the pathway from club rugby to the top flight.”