Welcome back to Club Communications after a big weekend of action at Scottish Gas Murrayfield as Scotland took on England; and the Women's National Bowl final was taken out by Marr in a nail-biter.

And all but three of our Silver Saturday teams are now finalised just 11 days out from the big day.

We encourage you and your club to make the most of the opportunity to see some of the best club rugby in the country. To find out more about the day, head to the Silver Saturday webpage.

Spirit of Rugby nominations close Friday
Make sure to get your applications in before the 2023/24 Spirit of Rugby award nominations close on Friday 19 April at 12 noon.

Due to a technical hitch, we are asking all nominations please be entered again as we are unsure we have caught all nominations thus far. Please fill out this form before midday on Friday to ensure your nomination is entered correctly.

The category is the centrepiece of Scottish Rugby's annual national awards ceremony for each season.

After the recent announcement of the regional awards winners in March, the national awards programme aims to recognise outstanding contributions from players, coaches and those who have contributed to the wider domestic game, both on and off the pitch.

Information, criteria and submission forms can be found below. If you want to nominate someone for the Spirit of Rugby award, fill out the below form, adding as much detail and story as possible.

Nominate for the Spirit of Rugby award

Countdown on for Silver Saturday as most finalists named

All but three teams are now confirmed to be playing at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and Hive Stadium on Silver Saturday this year.

Only 11 days remain until Saturday April 27, which will see seven matches decide where the country's top domestic rugby silverware, including the Scottish Cup and Sarah Beaney Cup, will be housed for the 2023/24 season.

After another thrilling weekend of knockout rugby, teams competing for the Men’s Bowl, Women’s Shield, Men’s Shield, Women’s Plate and Sarah Beaney Cup have all been finalised.

Silver Saturday finalists:
11am: Men’s Bowl, Hive Stadium: Irvine RFC v Blairgowrie RFC
11am: Women’s Shield, Scottish Gas Murrayfield: Biggar RFC v West of Scotland
1.45pm: Men’s Shield, Hive Stadium: Cumnock RFC v Moray RFC
1.45pm: Men’s National League Cup, Scottish Gas Murrayfield: Lasswade RFC OR Allan Glen’s RFC v Falkirk RFC OR Newton Stewart RFC
4.30pm: Women’s Plate, Hive Stadium: Caithness Krakens v Uddingston RFC
4.30pm: Sarah Beaney Cup, Scottish Gas Murrayfield: Watsonian FC v Hillhead Jordanhill RFC
7.15pm: Scottish Cup, Scottish Gas Murrayfield: Hawick RFC v Edinburgh Academical OR Marr

The ticketing portal is also live for non-club affiliated attendees. If you intend on watching your team only, please ensure your team is confirmed to be playing at Silver Saturday before purchasing tickets. Tickets are non-refundable.

A reminder that if clubs would like to have a club journalist or photographer present on the day, they must go through the accreditation process by heading here.

Tickets
Adult: £10 / Matchday £15
Senior (60+): £5 / Matchday £10
Under-18: £5 / Matchday £5

Ticketing and more information

Marr win in nail-biting Women's National Bowl final
A thrilling encounter between Marr and Dalkeith saw the Women’s National Bowl final taken 36-29 by Marr on the Murrayfield back pitches on Saturday. The player of the match was Dalkeith’s Rachael McIntosh for her four tries, despite being on the losing side on the day.

Marr led Dalkieth 24-22 going into the final 10 mintues, which became frantic and saw Dalkeith storm back to complete the comeback as the ball was spun wide from a scrum and Rachael McIntosh crossed over after beating three Marr players for her fourth try of the day. Leigh Bell added the extras to take the score to Marr 24-29 Dalkeith.

But it wasn’t all over. From inside their own 22, Marr used quick hands to get the ball to winger Sophie Steel, who tucked the ball under her arm and beat two defenders on her way to run 80m to score underneath the posts. Siobhan Reid then had the biggest kick of the afternoon and popped it over to see the score Marr 31-Dalkeith 29 with just minutes remaining.

After a number of phases from Marr, battering a tiring Dalkeith defence, a gap opened for Sophie Steel to sneak over in the corner, sealing both her second try of the day and the win for Marr. Full time: Marr 36 Dalkeith 29

Women's National Bowl final report

Women's National Bowl Video

Overhaul your club's kit with this offer
With the off-season fast approaching, use these exclusive Gilbert Rugby offers for Scotland Rugby Clubs and schools – available all season long!

A dedicated collection of rugby training products exclusive for rugby clubs in Scotland - with some exclusive offers.

Just follow this link and use the below club offers to get your off-season equipment overhaul started the right way.

CGC guests at the ready - are you?
Our guest speakers are set for the Community Game Conference, to be held on Saturday 25 May at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Headlining the plethora of talented rugby professionals delivering on the day are Pete Horne and Pieter de Villiers, Scotland men’s national team assistant coaches.

The conference will be hosted by Caroline Blair – host of the official Scottish Rugby Podcast – which will include sessions for club, school, society coaches, match officials, leaders and volunteers.

Ensure you're signed up for the CGC by registering your interest via SCRUMS.