ENRFC Latest - August 2026
Greetings Northerners,
August is upon us and, with it, the end of pre-season block one. The shouting, or perhaps more appropriately the sweating, in the late summer heat is almost over. With our first pre-season game less than ten days away, the real work is about to begin.
Pre-Season
Those more attentive amongst you will notice that we refer to the Queensferry game as our first pre-season fixture. This differs from what we had previously advertised as a friendly against Lismore on 8 August.
Unfortunately, our friends from Inch Park are unable to raise a team for this weekend's fixture, meaning the game has been cancelled.
However, all is not lost if you had planned on spending your weekend in the warm embrace of Edinburgh Northern. For those who are available this weekend, an intra-club game and training session will take place at Inverleith Park at 2pm.
For those who were keen to watch, to soften the blow, or perhaps entice your attendance, Mr Kit Walker, our wonderful Keeper of the Kegs, will have stocked the bar. We look forward to seeing you there if you're around!
Warm Welcomes
We wrote previously about how many new faces had joined us for training in recent weeks, and it's excellent to see that trend continuing. With attendance averaging in the high 20s and low 30s, it's fantastic the level and detail of work we have been able to get through. Long may it continue.
There have also been some additions to the coaching staff whom we'd like to welcome: former players Tom Horton and Michael "Mikey" McCall.
For those unfamiliar with these upstanding gentlemen, Tom brings a wealth of playing experience to the role, including playing with the club in East 2, and has deputised for Jamie in the recent past. Mikey, whilst only having been with us for a couple of seasons, will bring the passion we became so used to seeing on the field to the sidelines. From a neutral perspective, his involvement also ensures that Saturdays at Inverleith Park retain his booming teuchter baritone; entertainment for fans and teammates alike.
We are also delighted to welcome our new physio, Chloe Gilhooley, to the club. Chloe has previously worked with local rugby clubs, recent Scottish Premiership losers Hearts of Midlothian FC, and the NHS, so she brings a great deal of experience to the role. We're excited for her to join us from the Queensferry game onwards and would encourage all players to introduce themselves when they get the chance
Club Shop
One of the important things as the season draws nearer is ensuring that you are appropriately stashed out for taking to the field. As such, we recommend that you browse the club shop, Edinburgh Northern RFC - BE Uniforms, for all the necessities.
In terms of the basics, club socks and ties are available for purchase behind the bar, while playing shorts can be found on the website. Anything else is up to you, but in our experience, the more stash the better, if not in your better half's opinion.
Player Sponsorship
A new venture for this season has seen players offered the opportunity to seek individual sponsorship for the club from local businesses, friends and family. We're delighted that, in the first round of sponsorships, we've received support from the following:
EH Direct Blackhall and Barnton Magazines
Ferneylea Sporting
BE Teamwear
Darren Malaly Coaching
Athletic Arms (Diggers)
Breslin Dental
FarrPoint
Mark Craig
Campion Homes
Stockbridge Native
FK Fibre Products
Daddy
If you're reading this and are interested in supporting the club through a player, or you're a player with a contact who may be interested in the opportunity, please get in touch with Ben Black or Ash Bairstow to find out more.
Up and Coming
The cancellation of the Lismore game means we won't have a match report for you early next week. Instead, we'll have a short preview of the Queensferry game, along with another interview, this time with 2nd XV captain Lee Tennant.
Excitingly, this will feature our first video content for the website, so that's something to look forward to.
Until then, yours in rugby,
ENRFC