Glasgow Warriors squad training
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith has named a 31-strong squad for tomorrow’s opening pre-season friendly, as his side travels to Kingston Park to take on Newcastle Red Bulls.
The playing group blends a mix of senior professionals with some of the club’s brightest up-and-coming talents, including six of the nine graduates from last season’s senior academy.
There will also be a first run-out for Ottavio Tuipulotu in the front-row, as the hooker pulls on a Glasgow Warriors jersey for the first time since arriving at Scotstoun last summer following his recovery from injury.
Tuipulotu is joined by Jake Shearer and Murphy Walker up front, whilst Jare Oguntibeju partners Scotland U20 standout Dan Halkon in the engine room for tomorrow’s clash.
Academy flanker Dylan Cockburn lines up on the blindside, linking up with Angus Fraser and Macenzzie Duncan in the back-row.
Jack Oliver and Matthew Urwin are paired together in the half-backs, both players having put pen to paper on professional contracts ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Similarly, academy graduates Kerr Yule and Kerr Johnston line up as the midfield combination, having dove-tailed to devastating effect for Glasgow Warriors A over recent seasons.
New academy winger Guy Rogers starts on the wing, as he lines up alongside Cameron van Wyk and Fergus Watson in the back-three.
Ruaraidh Hart takes his place amongst the replacements after putting pen to paper on a first professional contract with the club, whilst Bayley Kuenzle is selected in the matchday squad following his summer arrival from the Western Force.
Elsewhere, Callum Reidy and Harvey Preston are included after joining the club’s academy this summer, whilst returning academy players Harry Provan, Ollie McKenna, Joe Roberts and Alex Bryden are selected, the latter trio having impressed for Scotland U20 during the U20 World Championship earlier this year.
Experience is provided by front-row duo Patrick Schickerling and Sam Talakai, as well as Euan Ferrie in the back-row and Josh McKay at full-back.
Dan Lancaster and Johnny Ventisei round out the senior players selected in the matchday squad, whilst Jamie McAughtrie and Gregor Johnston join the playing group after signing one-month training contracts with Franco Smith’s squad.
Speaking following selection, Head Coach Smith told glasgowwarriors.org: “Tomorrow marks the latest milestone in our preparations for the new season, as we test ourselves against a Newcastle side that began their pre-season fixtures with a win last week.
“The match is a chance for our academy players and recent academy graduates to show what they can do and to put their hands up for future selection, and the group has been training hard in preparation for their opportunity.
“We look forward to seeing our squad run out on the field tomorrow evening and we know that the players are keen to get stuck in.”
Glasgow Warriors team to face Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park, Saturday 5 September, kick-off 5pm. Follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.
1 Jake Shearer
2 Ottavio Tuipulotu
3 Murphy Walker
4 Dan Halkon
5 Jare Ogntibeju
6 Dylan Cockburn
7 Angus Fraser
8 Macenzzie Duncan
9 Jack Oliver
10 Matthew Urwin
11 Guy Rogers
12 Kerr Yule
13 Kerr Johnston
14 Cameron van Wyk
15 Fergus Watson
Replacements: Jamie McAughtrie, Patrick Schickerling, Sam Talakai, Ruaraidh Hart, Euan Ferrie, Callum Reidy, Johnny Ventisei, Bayley Kuenzle, Joe Roberts, Ollie McKenna, Harvey Preston, Gregor Johnston, Dan Lancaster, Harry Provan, Alex Bryden, Josh McKay.
Barclays Hampden
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scotland’s future football stars will benefit from a £500,000 World Cup Fund officially launched by First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Barclays Hampden.
The fund will support a three-year programme delivered in partnership with the Scottish FA to strengthen elite youth development pathways for boys and girls across Scotland.
The programme will provide specialist support to clubs within the boys’ Club Academy Scotland – the national programme for developing young talent at club level – and girls’ Next Gen pathways, enhance player development opportunities and expand the use of performance insights and innovation across the game.
During the visit, the First Minister met young players, coaches and Scottish FA representatives to hear how the investment will help develop talent and support the next generation of Scotland internationals.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Scotland’s return to the World Cup reminded us all of what can be achieved through talent, hard work and ambition. Sport and physical activity can transform lives, and we want to support the next generation of talent in Scottish football.
“Alongside our £20 million Summer of Sport programme to get children and young people active, this World Cup Fund builds on that momentum by investing in the young people who could represent Scotland in years ahead and delivers on my commitment made for the Scottish Government’s first 100 days.
“Supporting both boys’ and girls’ pathways, this investment will help create more opportunities for talented young people, strengthen clubs and support the long-term future of Scottish football.”
Scottish FA’s Chief Football Officer, Craig Mulholland, said:
“Scotland was gripped by our return to the World Cup stage this summer, and it united a nation in a way no other event can do.
“It had been too long, and our job is to make sure it’s a regular occurrence.
“We are delighted with the investment and support from the Scottish Government, on the back of their excellent Summer of Sport programme.
“This initiative aligns fully with our Scottish FA strategy. We will take a bespoke, creative, and innovative approach to supporting our club network through Club Academy Scotland, for our boys, and our girls’ Barclays NextGen pathways. Helping our clubs grow in a modern way, using objective insights that will significantly enhance the offering to young Scottish talent – creating better players and coaches.
“We need our young people in Scotland to have ambition and aspire to follow in the footsteps of the exceptional role models we have, such as Andy Robertson and Caroline Weir. Our task, working with the Scottish Government, is to provide the best environment for these dreams to be realised.
“In addition, the wider benefits of football – to the individual, families, communities, and country in general – are apparent.
“We need to harness the power of football, on and off the pitch.”
Glasgow-based badminton star Kirsty Gilmour
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Belshill-born and now Glasgow-based badminton star Kirsty Gilmour, and Edinburgh-born now Stirling-based Olympic curler Bruce Mouat are among 30 LGBTQ+ celebrities and high profile allies appearing in a new film for LGBTQ+ youth charity The Proud Trust, calling for greater support, safer spaces and understanding for LGBTQ+ young people.
The line-up also includes pop icon Dannii Minogue, national treasure Sir Stephen Fry and Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes.
The Proud Trust, one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ youth charities, has brought together two of Scotland’s biggest sporting names with stars from film, TV, music and sport for a major new celebrity film supporting LGBTQ+ young people.
Kirsty Gilmour, who was born in Bellshill and now lives in Glasgow, is one of Scotland’s most successful badminton players. She has represented both Scotland and Great Britain, competed at three Olympic Games and became the first Scottish badminton player to win a European title, as well as winning Commonwealth Games silver in Glasgow in 2014.
Joining Kirsty is Edinburgh-born, now Stirling-based curler Bruce Mouat, who has led his team to two World Championship titles, in 2023 and 2025, and four European Championship titles. He has also won two Olympic silver medals with Team GB, at the 2022 Beijing and 2026 Winter Olympics. Kirsty and Bruce appear in The Proud Trust’s new #DeserveBetter campaign film alongside 28 other LGBTQ+ celebrities and high-profile allies.
The #DeserveBetter campaign launched earlier this summer to highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people and call for greater understanding, safer spaces and better support. The new film brings all 30 names together behind one message, that every LGBTQ+ young person deserves to feel safe, accepted, heard and able to thrive.
The campaign comes at a time when LGBTQ+ young people continue to face significant challenges. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ pupils experience bullying because of who they are, almost six in ten have seriously considered suicide, and almost a quarter may never complete secondary school, twice the national average.
The Proud Trust supports thousands of LGBTQ+ young people through youth groups, one- to-one support, mentoring, family services, education programmes, professional training and its Rainbow Flag Award programme. Following the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, referrals to the charity increased by 171%, underlining the growing demand for specialist LGBTQ+ support.
The film also features singer and presenter Dannii Minogue, actor and broadcaster Sir Stephen Fry, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, comedian Tom Allen, RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Danny Beard and Courtney Act, television favourite Denise Welch, Heartstopper actor Kizzy Edgell, radio presenter Adele Roberts, and author Matt Cain MBE.
Completing the line-up are comedian James Barr, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story actor Cyril Nri, Coronation Street favourites Charlie Condou and Alexandra Mardell, former Lioness Anita Asante, It’s A Sin actor Nathaniel J Hall, Brassic regular Neil Ashton, Smoggie Queens stars Elijah Young and Peter McPherson, Tip Toe actors Shakeel Kimotho and Gabriel Clark, West End performer Rob Madge, former England footballer Lianne Sanderson, England rugby stars Heather Fisher and Meg Jones MBE, British wheelchair tennis player Lucy Shuker BEM, and further RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Catrin Feelings and Elle Vosque.
Kirsty Gilmour said, “Everyone deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, confident and accepted. The Proud Trust is providing life-changing support to LGBTQ+ young people across the UK, and I’m proud to help shine a light on that through #DeserveBetter.”
Bruce Mouat said, “Having a strong support network can make all the difference in life. The Proud Trust provides that for thousands of LGBTQ+ young people every year, and I’m proud to stand alongside #DeserveBetter and the incredible work the charity does.”
Rachel Williams, CEO of The Proud Trust, said, “Every young person deserves to feel safe, accepted and proud of who they are. At a time when LGBTQ+ lives are being debated more than ever, it’s vital that young people know they are valued, supported and never alone. We’re incredibly proud that Kirsty, Bruce and the other 28 LGBTQ+ people and allies taking part in the film have chosen to stand with us and support #DeserveBetter. The voices send a powerful message that there is a whole community standing beside LGBTQ+ young people, championing their right to be themselves and thrive. #DeserveBetter is a call for all of us to do better, as if we come together we can build a future where every young person gets the support, acceptance and opportunities they deserve.”
For more information about The Proud Trust and the #DeserveBetter campaign, visit www.TheProudTrust.org or watch the campaign film on Instagram at @The_Proud_Trust
Photo by Vincenzo Morelli
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Padel courts can be built at a Hillhead sports complex despite neighbours’ fears over “gunshot-like” noise.
Glasgow’s planning committee has ruled in favour of a plan to install two courts at Hillhead Sports Club. Objectors argued the “relentless and monotonous” noise from the courts would affect nearby residents but council planners had recommended the scheme was approved.
Padel is a racket sport, similar to tennis, played on an enclosed court. Balls can be hit off the court walls like in squash.
Courts at Hillhead Sports Club on Hughenden Road — which is the home of Hillhead Jordanhill rugby club and also has cricket and tennis facilities — will be covered by a canopy and floodlit to support evening and winter play.
The council received 11 objections to the club’s application, with one neighbour saying: “Everyone would be affected by the gunshot-like sounds of padel being played.
“Even if permission for the construction of the courts is granted and goes ahead, I can only imagine a miserable period of complaints to follow.”
Another resident said: “The relentless and monotonous noise is impossible to ignore and would impact me significantly.”
But council planners said an acoustic assessment found that “noise levels would not give rise to significant adverse impacts on surrounding properties”.
A report to councillors stated the existing facilities “generate regular background noise associated with both sporting activity and spectator attendance”. “This establishes a high ambient noise environment,” it added.
Operating hours for the courts are restricted to between 8am and 9pm by a condition attached to the planning approval.
Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, the committee chairman, said: “I think this is a good application. I think the potential for noise spill is relatively minimal and I’m pleased to see the hours are controlled to 9pm.
“I think that’s perfectly reasonable to minimise any disruption. I think it’s a useful addition to what is a very well used and well appreciated sports complex.”
Cllr Saqib Ahmed, Labour, added: “This is a well used sports arena, well connected with public transport as well. I have no doubt they will do a fantastic job with this particular addition to their already existing sports.”
Titwood Bowling Club
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
A decision on padel court plans for Pollokshields, which neighbours fear will bring excessive noise, has been delayed.
Glasgow’s planning committee will visit the Glencairn Drive site and hold a hearing before ruling on the application, as councillors want to “get a good sense” of the location.
Gancho Padel Ltd has asked Glasgow City Council for permission to create three padel courts at Titwood Bowling Club. Planners at the council recommended the scheme be approved.
But there were 79 objections to the plan, with residents believing they will be disrupted by “repetitive” noise. Only 12 letters of support were received.
Padel is a racket sport, similar to tennis, played on an enclosed court. Balls can be hit off the court walls like in squash.
Ahead of the planning meeting today (Tuesday), Cllr Jon Molyneux, Greens, who represents Pollokshields, had requested a site visit and hearing. A hearing will give both the developer and objectors an opportunity to make their case.
The proposed courts would be part of the bowling club complex, which neighbours Titwood Lawn Tennis Club and is within the West Pollokshields conservation area.
They would be erected on “disused” blaes tennis courts. A single-storey reception and changing room is also planned.
Council planners reported the proposal “would not adversely affect the continued operation of the wider club and would instead bring an underutilised area back into active recreational use”.
However, one objector said the development would be “an unsightly, noisy and unwelcome addition to the area in which I live”.
Cllr Molyneux objected as he believes the plan is “inappropriate for the setting”. “I am also concerned that the changes will result in increased noise impact,” he added. “The nature of noise with padel is sharp and repetitive and will have adverse amenity impacts as a result.”
Planning officials said an acoustic assessment, from a “suitably qualified consultant”, concludes that, with proposed mitigation measures, noise levels “would not give rise to significant adverse impacts”.
They added floodlights, which also caused objections, would only be used during operating hours, between 8am and 10pm, and conditions could be attached to the planning permission requiring final details of design, luminance levels and column heights to “ensure that light spill, glare and sky glow are appropriately controlled”.
At the planning meeting, Cllr John Daly, Conservative, said he had received “quite convincing” representation regarding the “noise level that these padel courts may propose and how some of the sound mitigation measures may not be as robust as they might be”.
He backed a site visit to get “a feel for the place, and how sounds travels, how close the houses are”. “I think sometimes you have to be there to get a good sense of that.”
Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, the committee chairman, said he understood the “point about trying to contextualise the site”. “I think it would be helpful to get the site in context,” he added.
A council official said the “level of weight we can apply” to noise is “extremely low because it’s in existing use”.
Scotland Head Coach Sione Fukofuka during a Scotland Women's Rugby Captain's Run at the Hive Stadium, on May 08, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scottish Rugby has confirmed the departure of Scotland Women Head Coach Sione Fukofuka, who will return home to Australia due to family and personal reasons.
Fukofuka was appointed Head Coach late last year and led the national team during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
His departure is being confirmed now ahead of key preparations for WXV Global Series beginning, with Dave Butcher set to lead the national team in the role of interim Scotland Women Head Coach during that campaign.
Speaking on his decision, Fukofuka, said: “I’ve had to make probably the hardest professional decision of my life to step away from the role as Head Coach.
“I approached Scottish Rugby and asked for a release from my contract under compassionate grounds. Effectively, the stress and the strain on my family, who are back in Australia away from me, proved too much to continue to on and to do this role the way it should be time.
“With the time back home in Australia over the summer, it was able to give me a lot more insight into the sacrifices that they’re making, on top of those that I make as well.
“We also had a change in circumstances where, unfortunately, my wife’s parents are unwell, so that means the family relocating in the 12-month plan that we had is not feasible anymore.
“I can’t be away from my family for that amount of time and do the job the way it should be done.
“I was pretty direct and honest with David Nucifora, Andy Rhys-Jones and Gemma Fay and all three of them were fantastic in understanding that this is not a rugby decision.
“It has nothing to do with Scottish Rugby or the programme – in fact that is what made it so hard – and it’s everything to do with what my family are sacrificing and what I’m missing out on being at home and being a father and a husband, and the fact that we’re not now in a position for them to relocate and come and join me, which has changed the circumstances that were initially part of our plan when I signed on to undertake the role.
“Within a professional context, there has been an understanding to the human element. There has been an understanding that aside from being a rugby coach, I’m also a father and a husband, and the impact that has on both my family but also on myself.
“Being here in Scotland has been amazing, I’ve loved every minute of living here and have really appreciated the opportunity, but not having my family with me and being able to share those experiences with them has been really tough. Our boys are quite young and are missing out on that support when I’m not there.
“Andy, Gemma and David have been brilliant at understanding that this isn’t a rugby decision, and it is a decision that is best for me and my family.
“They have helped me through that challenging decision, but also with a plan of what’s next for the programme.”
Following Fukofuka’s departure, Dave Butcher, who has been in post as Forwards Coach since February and previously held a number of roles across the men’s pathway programme at Scottish Rugby, will take on the role of Scotland Women interim Head Coach and will lead the national team during WXV Global Series.
On why this decision has been made now, Fukofuka explained: “The most important one is it gives the programme an opportunity to prepare.
“There are six weeks before the first Test match, so there’s an opportunity for the incoming coaching group to have time to prepare with each other, but also with the playing group before that first Test match against Canada.
“Dave is a fantastic human, and he is so invested in this group as individuals, but also in the team itself.
“He is a first-class individual and his experience across both men’s and women’s rugby and being in positions of leadership will hold the team in good stead, but most importantly he understands the group.
“He knows where we wanted to take the team and what WXV means, so it’s really important that he’s in that role to support the team as they go into those games.
“I have full confidence that with the support of the other coaches who will be coming in to join that they’ll be able to create a really strong unit that will prepare the team well and set them up for success.”
Fukofuka joined Scottish Rugby having most recently served as Head Coach of the United States Women’s national team between 2023 and 2025.
His previous roles saw him work with the Australian Youth Women’s 7s team, and then the Australian Men’s 7s team in 2019, before becoming Wallaroos Assistant Coach in 2021.
Scottish Rugby Performance Director, David Nucifora, added: “I would like to thank Sione for his contribution to Scottish Rugby and whilst we are disappointed to see him depart, we fully respect and understand the reasons why he has made this decision.
“During his time in the role, Sione showed great passion and commitment to the national team and the wider women’s programme at Scottish Rugby.
“Our priority remains supporting the women’s national team and women’s programme players and staff during this period, with work being done to ensure appropriate structures are in place ahead of WXV Global Series along with long term recruitment conversations.”
Scotland's Rachel Malcolm at full time during a Guinness Women's Six Nations match between Scotland and England at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on April 18, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scotland Women interim Head Coach Dave Butcher has named a 32-strong training squad for the home fixtures of the upcoming inaugural Vodafone Scotland WXV series.
The Scotland squad is comprised of 18 forwards and 14 backs.
After missing the final three matches of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, long-serving captain Rachel Malcolm returns to lead the squad once more.
Other notable returnees to the squad include Anne Young, Evie Gallagher, and Sarah Bonar, bolstering the forward pack. All three are available for selection after recovering from injuries that saw them miss out on the Six Nations, with the latter two featuring for their respective clubs in the final round of the PWR season and Bonar representing the Barbarians this summer.
A trio of uncapped Glasgow Warriors players have been selected with tighthead prop Imogen Spence amongst the forwards and backs Ceitidh Ainsworth and Nicole Flynn also selected, with all three involved in recent camps and as part of the Central Programme.
Winger Katie Buchanan of Exeter Chiefs, who is eligible to represent Scotland through her grandmother, is the fourth uncapped player in the 32-player squad.
Francesca McGhie, Lisa Thomson and Emily Coubrough were unavailable for selection for the home fixtures due to injury.
Vodafone, Principal Partner of Scottish Rugby, has underlined its commitment to the women’s game by taking up naming rights for the revamped series format. The three fixtures in Edinburgh will form the Vodafone Scotland WXV Series, as part of the overall WXV Global Series presented by Mitsubishi Electric.
Mark Huckerby, Head of Sponsorship, VodafoneThree, said: “We’re delighted to partner with this series of fixtures as Scotland host three of the leading sides in the world.
“Supporting the growth of the women’s game is a key priority for us, and the refreshed competition provides a great platform for this Scotland team in front of their home crowd. We’re proud to be right there with them.”
Preparations for the Vodafone Scotland WXV Series will commence when the squad convene at Oriam on Monday 10 August.
In the first edition of the competition, Scotland Women host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up Canada, the current world number two New Zealand and Australia at Hive Stadium on 12, 19 and 26 September respectively.
Those fixtures precede a trip down under where Scotland will then take on Australia in a double-header in Sydney and Canberra on 17 and 24 October, with nations able to name a different travelling 32-player squad for those away fixtures.
Scotland Women 32-player Vodafone Scotland WXV Series squad – caps in brackets
Forwards
Leah Bartlett – Sale Sharks (54)
Holland Bogan – Glasgow Warriors (5)
Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (51)Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (7)
Elliann Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (29)
Eva Donaldson – Sale Sharks (26)
Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (40)
Rachel Malcolm – Captain – Trailfinders Women (64)
Elis Martin – Edinburgh Rugby (30)
Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (59)
Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby (12)
Imogen Spence – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (87)
Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby (20)
Aicha Sutcliffe – Glasgow Warriors (2)
Demi Swann – Exeter Chiefs (5)
Emma Wassell – Trailfinders Women (78)
Anne Young – Glasgow Warriors (22)
Backs
Ceitidh Ainsworth – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
Leia Brebner-Holden – Edinburgh Rugby (20)
Katie Buchanan – Exeter Chiefs (uncapped)
Shona Campbell – Sale Sharks (14)
Rhea Clarke – Glasgow Warriors (4)
Nicole Flynn – Glasgow Warriors (uncapped)
Rhona Lloyd – Sale Sharks (66)
Helen Nelson – Trailfinders Women (80)
Rachel Philipps – Edinburgh Rugby (4)
Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby (2)
Chloe Rollie – Edinburgh Rugby (86)
Lucia Scott – Glasgow Warriors (12)
Meryl Smith – Bristol Bears (27)
Evie Wills – Glasgow Warriors (10)
Mascot Finnie and Team Wales at Glasgow Marriott
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Glasgow Marriott Hotel has revealed what it’s like to host athletes and support teams during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, including extraordinary volumes of kitchen preparation, storing abnormal baggage and over the unforgettable 11-day sporting spectacular.
As an official partner hotel of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the four-star deluxe city centre hotel welcomed teams and officials from across the Commonwealth, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Behind the scenes, months of planning went into ensuring athletes had everything they needed to perform at their best, and as the Games drew nearer, crates of deliveries from the Games sponsors and brand partners arrived from bottled water and wellbeing care packages to branded merchandise. The hotel also had to prepare for storing and accommodating large and abnormal luggage including pole vaults which presented an interesting challenge for the team.
The hotel’s kitchen also prepared for thousands of high-protein breakfasts and recovery meals, serving around the clock with the kitchen in full swing from 4.30am until midnight every day of the Games.
Over the 11 days, the team served:
21,000 eggs
4,000 chicken breasts – around one tonne of chicken
2,500 pancakes
4,000 bananas
More than 10,000 cups of coffee
But it wasn’t just the food that made the Games memorable. The Glasgow Marriott also welcomed medal winners from England, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland, balancing the excitement of the Games with providing athletes a calm environment to rest, recover and prepare between competitions. This included Kate O’Connor who made history by winning Northern Ireland’s first gold medal in the women’s heptathlon.
One of the standout moments of the Games inside the hotel came when members of the New Zealand team performed a traditional Haka in the Marriott Restaurant to honour their medal-winning teammates. The spontaneous celebration drew applause from the entire restaurant.
Fresh from its multi-million-pound refurbishment, the Glasgow Marriott was dressed for the occasion, with artwork and murals celebrating Glasgow and Scotland providing a fitting backdrop for visitors experiencing the city during one of its biggest sporting events of the year.
The celebrations started at Glasgow Marriott even before the opening ceremony, with official Games mascot Finnie making a special visit to the hotel. The team also embraced Scotland’s nationwide ‘All In’ campaign by creating special Games-themed cocktails complete with an ‘All In’ dusting, helping guests get into the Commonwealth spirit.
Chris McGuinness, General Manager of Glasgow Marriott Hotel, said:
“We’ve hosted international sports teams for many years, but being an official partner hotel for a home Commonwealth Games was incredibly special. There was a real buzz throughout the hotel from the moment guests arrived, and it was fantastic to see athletes, coaches and Games Family members from across the Commonwealth coming together under one roof.
“Of course, our priority was making sure every guest had the rest, nutrition and warm welcome they needed, but we also had the privilege of sharing in some unforgettable moments. The Games showcased Glasgow at its very best. We were proud to play a small part in welcoming the world to our city and to deliver the kind of hospitality Glasgow is famous for.”
The Glasgow Marriott has been welcoming visitors to the city for more than 40 years and regularly hosts elite sports teams, major conferences and international events.
Scottish Rugby Celtic Challenge Head Coach Robbie Fergusson
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scottish Rugby can confirm that appointment of Robbie Fergusson as Head Coach of Glasgow Warriors Women in the Celtic Challenge.
Fergusson will also support Scotland Women in the role of assistant coach with the national team for the period of WXV Global Series, and will join Glasgow Warriors following his commitments to Hong Kong China 7s.
Former Glasgow Warriors centre Fergusson arrives at Scotstoun from his previous role within the coaching set-up with Hong Kong China 7s, having previously gained valuable experience coaching with Team GB’s women’s 7s.
He joins the women’s team at a hugely exciting time following the addition of nine new players earlier this summer in preparation for the 2026/27 Celtic Challenge season.
In addition to his 7s coaching experience, Fergusson was also assistant coach at hometown club Ayr RFC, where he previously played. He later moved into the Director of Rugby role at Ayr RFC & Ayrshire Bulls, taking responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of the rugby department while helping align coaching philosophy, player development and performance culture across senior and pathway programmes.
During an illustrious playing career that ended in the summer of 2024, Fergusson played for both Scotland 7s and Great Britain 7s and competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 and two Commonwealth Games.
Fergusson also gained 50 HSBC World Sevens Series caps including captaining Great Britain on the HSBC SVNS Series for two years between 2022 and 2024.
Before establishing himself as one of the most valuable players on the international 7s circuit, Fergusson represented Scotland at age-grades through to U20s level, featuring at the Junior World Championships in 2012 and 2013 (where Scotland finished ninth and tenth respectively).
His club career saw him achieve a domestic double with Ayr in 2013, before a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma the following year aged just 20 saw his career put on pause to focus on his recovery.
After making a full recovery, Fergusson soon earned a contract with Glasgow Warriors. He would make his professional debut for the club in 2015, before a spell with London Scottish followed by a return to play at Scotstoun.
Commenting on his appointment as Glasgow Warriors Women’s Head Coach, Robbie Fergusson, said: “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity ahead. I know the club well and how ambitious it is, and it’s an exciting time for the women’s game in Scotland.
“I’m keen to help contribute to both the success and development of a strong Glasgow Warriors women’s team.”
Scottish Rugby Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways, Andy Rhys-Jones, added: “After a thorough recruitment process, we are pleased to appoint Robbie as Head Coach of Glasgow Warriors.
“Robbie is an exciting coach who has experienced a wide range of high-performance environments throughout his playing and coaching career. Those experiences have given him a strong understanding of the standards required to build a successful programme.Having previously represented Glasgow Warriors, he also brings a first-hand understanding of the club’s identity and ambitions.
“With an exciting Celtic Challenge season ahead and several new players joining the squad at Scotstoun, we look forward to seeing Robbie lead the programme through its next phase of development.”
Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Kenny Brown, added: “Robbie’s appointment is another exciting step for our women’s team ahead of the 2026/27 season in the Celtic Challenge.
“His experience and ambition make him a fantastic fit for this role, and we are looking forward to seeing the programme continue to grow under his leadership.”
Councillors Francesca Brennan and Sandra Reynolds and Mhairi Lyle, active schools co-ordinator, with young people at a golf themed Sport 4 All session in Clydeview Academy
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A packed programme of school holiday activities is in full swing at venues across Inverclyde as part of the 2026 Summer of Sport.
Inverclyde Council is running a variety of free or subsidised events to keep young people of all abilities entertained while away from the classroom.
Included in the busy programme are Sport 4 All sessions which were held at Clydeview Academy last week specifically for children with additional support needs (ASN).
Hot on the heels of The Open championship, youngsters tried their hand at golf during the morning session on Thursday 23 July 2026.
Sport 4 All is being delivered by the council’s active schools/sports development team and is one of a number of sport-themed activities, including specific ASN events, that are free to attend throughout the school summer holidays.
The sessions are being run as part of the Summer of Sport initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland with Inverclyde receiving £165k to support local activities.
Councillor Francesca Brennan, Inverclyde Council’s vice-convener of education and communities, said: “The summer holidays can be tough for parents and children trying to think of things to do each day without breaking the bank so it’s brilliant that we are able to provide a packed programme of activities for young people of all abilities throughout July that are either completely free to attend or subsidised to keep costs to a minimum.
“This ensures our young people are entertained and engaged while school is out and supports hard-working parents and families.
“The ASN sessions at Clydeview were well attended and it was great to see young people and staff having such a great time.
“There is also free swimming, playschemes and so much more for children of all abilities to enjoy that are being delivered directly by council services or through our partners at Inverclyde Leisure and there’s still time to get involved in the Summer of Sport.”
Sport 4 All takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and are open to children and young people aged 5-18 who have a disability or an additional support need.
The sessions are multi-sports allowing participants to get experience of trying new and alternative sports in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Football specific sessions have been taking place on a Wednesday in partnership with Morton in the Community and have been particularly successful with 15 attendees this week alone from a wide range of age groups.
Councillor Sandra Reynolds, Inverclyde’s sports champion, said: “Sport is a fantastic way to bring people together to build friendships, learn new things, and keep active.
“It’s a credit to council officers and partners, including Inverclyde Leisure and Morton in the Community, that we have such a diverse programme of activities being delivered as part of the Summer of Sport initiative that caters for children of all ages and abilities and supports their families.
“It’s great to see young people making the most of the school summer holidays in an inclusive and fun environment with the support of our excellent staff, coaches, and volunteers.”
The Inverclyde Summer of Sport programme also includes playschemes, free swimming, an inflatables zone at Greenock Sports Centre, and other indoor and outdoor activities being delivered in libraries and by the council’s youth work service.
More information about Inverclyde Council’s summer programme is available on the council website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/summer and details about activities being delivered by Inverclyde Leisure are available at https://inverclydeleisure.com/summer-of-fun/.
During the school term, there is also a Sport 4 All Multisport Community Club on Wednesdays 4.45-5.45pm, which is open to children and young people aged 5-18 years with a disability or additional support need.
The active schools/sports development team also run a Boccia Club, which is specifically for those with a physical disability only, providing an additional option to take part in sport.
Anyone who is interested in registering their child to take part can email Mhairi Lyle at Mhairi.Lyle@inverclyde.gov.uk.
