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Welcome to the Offside Line Podcast with your hosts Peter Burns and David Barnes. In this weekly show we examine all aspects of Scottish rugby, from the grassroots level to the Test arena, and discuss the goings on in the wider global game – helped by a regular panel of special guests and featuring exclusive interviews. David Barnes has worked as a freelance rugby journalist since 2004 covering every level of the game in Scotland for publications including The Herald/Sunday Herald, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The Scotsman/Scotland on Sunday/Evening News, The Daily Record, The Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday and The Sun. He established the Offside Line in 2016 to provide high-quality, independent and up-to-date coverage of all aspects of Scottish rugby. In 2005 he co-authored Jim Renwick’s autobiography, Centre of Excellence, and in 2008 was shortlisted for Rugby Book of the Year at the British Sports Book Awards for The Accies: The Cradle of Scottish Rugby. He is the co-author of the critically acclaimed Behind the Thistle: Playing Rugby for Scotland and Behind the Lions: Playing Rugby for the British & Irish Lions. Peter Burns is a William Hill Sportsbook of the Year shortlisted author and the managing director of Polaris Publishing Ltd. He has written eleven sports books, including Behind the Thistle: Playing Rugby for Scotland, This is Murrayfield: 100 Years of History in 100 Matches, Behind the Lions: Playing Rugby for the British & Irish Lions, This is Your Everest: The Lions, the Springboks and the Epic Tour of 1997, When Lions Roared: The Lions, the All Blacks and the Legendary Tour of 1971 and The Men in the Arena: England, Australia and the Battle for the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He is also the author of the forthcoming children's book series, Shadow Thieves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Check latest episodes from The Offside Line Podcast: The First for Scottish Rugby podcast

Clubhouse: Back from the break, straight into the breach

2026/10/15

After last weekend's welfare break, the Arnold Clark Men's Premiership returns. With Robin missing in action, Iain Heard steps back into the breach to join Stuart and Barney for a look ahead at this weekend's fixtures, which includes a Borders derby between top of the table Melrose and Hawick, a west coast clash at Balgray between defending champions Ayr and still winless Glasgow Hawks, and a capital city showdown at Myreside between Watsonians and Edinburgh Accies. Two teams with play-off aspirations but struggling for consistency this season meet at Goldenacre, when Heriot's host GHA. Meanwhile, a highly charged afternoon is on the cards at Malleny Park, when Currie Chieftains will look to pay tribute to club legend Ally Donaldson the day after his funeral in the way he would have appreciated most when they take on Kelso. The guys also run through National One and National Two with Stirling County and Highland, respectively, the teams to beat. This episode is sponsored by KubeNet - a multi-award winning technology solutions provider based in Glasgow. It's Cyber Security Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to take stock of your organisation's cyber defences. Championship-winning teams know success starts with a strong defence, and resilient businesses are no different. Our sponsors KubeNet provide managed IT services, cyber security solutions and proactive support to help keep your organisation protected against evolving threats. Don't wait until you've conceded a costly cyber attack. Get ahead of the game and strengthen your defence today. You can contact KubeNet at [email protected] to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hook, line and Sinclair

2026/10/13

Hello Offside Liners and welcome to this week’s show. Barney and Burnsy get out of the studio to record a special interview with former Scotland U20s, Stirling County and Heriot’s second-row Adam Sinclair about his life and career, which has taken him from Bannockburn to South Africa, France and England (as well as the Scottish Premiership). They also review all the latest URC action, schoolboy rugby, Jake Dalziel’s Prem breakthrough and World Rugby law changes. This week we’re sponsored by Sterling Sinclair Group. As the undisputed masters of the Scottish self-storage and removals industry, the Sterling Sinclair Group delivers a complete one-stop shop experience across the nation. Through their strategic facilities – Perth Self Store, Edinburgh Self Store, and Stirling Self Storage – they provide secure, flexible space for every need. This expertise is seamlessly supported by Sterling Sinclair's premier fleet of 19 specialist vehicles, ensuring professional packing, removal, and shipping services. Furthermore, their Hiab Container Scotland division completes their comprehensive service by expertly selling and moving shipping containers throughout Scotland. Find all the details at sterlingsinclairremovals.co.uk which includes their storage options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making the most of the welfare break with a visit from the mad scientist

2026/10/08

Bob McKillop - head coach of Stirling County and the Edinburgh District team this season - joins the usual suspects to chew over the season so far at the top end of the club game and to look ahead the Inter District Championship which will run over consecutive weekends in November this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The return of Scotland Sevens and missed deadlines

2026/10/06

Barney and Burnsy catch up to discuss the return of the Scotland Men's Sevens team this coming weekend, Edinburgh's gritty win over Stormers last Friday night and whether George Horne cost Glasgow Warriors a win over Ulster on Saturday evening. There's also a revelation about how a missed deadline by Barney gave Burnsy his big break in the literary world! This episode is sponsored by KubeNet - a multi-award winning technology solutions provider based in Glasgow. It's Cyber Security Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to take stock of your organisation's cyber defences. Championship-winning teams know success starts with a strong defence, and resilient businesses are no different. Our sponsors KubeNet provide managed IT services, cyber security solutions and proactive support to help keep your organisation protected against evolving threats. Don't wait until you've conceded a costly cyber attack. Get ahead of the game and strengthen your defence today. You can contact KubeNet at [email protected] to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clubhouse: Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round six preview

2026/10/01

Barney is back from his golfing jolly to join Stuart and Robin as they look ahead to the final round of matches before the Arnold Clark Men's Premiership 'welfare' break. Game of the day looks like being at Myreside where Watsonians will look to bounce back from last weekend's agonising defeat at the Greenyards by getting the better of a Heriot's side on a high after becoming the first side to beat Ayr in a league match in just shy of two years. Elsewhere, Ayr and GHA will each look to exorcise the demons of last weekend's defeats when they meet at Millbrae, while still winless Glasgow Hawks face a tough trip to the Borders to take on Kelso at Poynder Park, and Edinburgh Accies welcome Melrose to Raeburn Place. The Hawick versus Currie Chieftains game has been postponed as a mark of respect following the new earlier this week that Currie stalwart Ally Donaldson had passed away following a short illness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scots teams off to a flyer in URC .... and has Ayr's bubble been burst?

2026/09/28

A short sharp pod to start the week with Barney and Burnsy catching up to celebrate two bonus-points wins on the road for the Scots teamson the opening weekend of the URC ... and four Irish defeats! Meanwhile, how much should we read into Arnold Clark Men's Premiership champions Ayr suffering their first league defeat in just short of two years against Heriot's at Goldenacre? Congratulations to Garioch whose perseverance in the Arnold Clark Women's Premiership was rewarded with a first win of the season over Cartha Queens Park on Saturday, but it was a disappointing afternoon for Scotland Women who couldn't build on a positive first half against Australia and ended up slumping to a third defeat in as many weeks at Hive Stadium. Finally, the boys reflect on the gut-wrenching news that Ally Donaldson – a Currie Chieftains and Scottish rugby legend – has passed away on Sunday evening following a short illness, aged just 60. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clubhouse: Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round five preview

2026/09/24

Barney has gone golfing so Iain Heard - former referee turned pundit and champion of the club game - steps into the breach, and there's some big games in the Premiership to look forward to this coming weekend, including Ayr taking their long winning streak on the road to Goldenacre where Heriot's await in what looks like being game of the day. Meanwhile Glasgow Hawks host Hawick at the other end of the table, there's a capital derby between Currie Chieftains and Edinburgh Accies at Malleny Park, in-formMelrose welcome Watsonians to the Greenyards, and it's GHA versus Kelso at Braidholm. There's also a top of the table clash in National One with second in the league Gala hoping to burst Stirling County's unbeaten bubble at Netherdale. And there's a fair old battle on the cards in the north with National Two leaders Highland heading to Countesswells to take on third placed Gordonians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struth Be Told: Edinburgh Rugby’s new season

2026/09/22

With the URC kicking off this weekend, Barney and Burnsy popped into the Edinburgh Rugby offices at Murrayfield to catch up with the club's managing director, Doug Struth, for a wide-ranging chat. Including: David Nucifora's role in recruiting three Australian assistant coaches this summer, why Jamie Ritchie heading to Glasgow was a surprise but not a disaster and the importance of A team games. There has been 60 percent turnover in rugby-facing staff over the summer, and Struth says there is a fresh buzz about the club ... but will that be evident against Ulster on Friday night? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clubhouse: Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round four preview

2026/09/17

Some huge games on the menu this weekend with Heriots' trip to the Greenyards to take on Melrose in a clash of two of the form teams in the league perhaps match of the day, although the basement battle between Edinburgh Accies and Glasgow Hawks could also be a gripping encounter. Barney, Stuart and Robin get together to look ahead at another exciting weekend of action in the top flight of men's club rugby in Scotland, and they also hear from Stirling County head coach Bob Mckillop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the purpose of the Premiership? Can Scotland Women bounce back from Canada loss?

2026/09/14

Burnsy is on a mini-tour of the UK this week but has found the time to catch up with Barney to digest last weekend's Arnold Clark Premiership action and to discuss the importance of Murrayfield showing a bit more love and respect for this top tier of the club game in Scotland as it needs to be an essential step in the performance pathway for the long term health of the game. The boys are also joined by Stuart Bathgate to catch-up on Scotland's WXV campaign, which kicked off with a heavy defeat to Canada at Hive Stadium on Saturday. Dave Butcher's side appear to be low on confidence but is there light at the end of the tunnel? This podcast is sponsored by Kudos Sports Services. Kudos Sports Services supports grassroots and community sports clubs with the work that happens off the pitch. From funding applications and sponsorship to club development, governance and project planning, Kudos helps clubs turn ideas into practical, fundable projects. If your club needs support to become more sustainable or develop its next project, visit kudossportsservices.com or follow Kudos Sports Services on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clubhouse: Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round three preview

2026/09/10

Unbeaten sides Currie Chieftains and Melrose meet at Malleny, Hawick head into the lions den to face Ayr at Millbrae, Kelso are missing their two co-captains for a tough trip to Goldenacre to take on Heriot's, GHA and Edinburgh Accies each hunt their first win of the season at Braidholm and the guys anticipate a tight clash at Balgray when Glasgow Hawks host Watsonians. Meanwhile, National One is shaping up a real battle, with every team capable of beating any other side in the league ... apart from Stirling County, maybe? And there's a top of the Arnold Clark Women's Premiership table clash at Bridgehaugh with Stirling County hosting Watsonians, and both teams coming off big wins last weekend. This week we’re sponsored by Sterling Sinclair Group. As the undisputed masters of the Scottish self-storage and removals industry, the Sterling Sinclair Group delivers a complete one-stop shop experience across the nation. Through their strategic facilities – Perth Self Store, Edinburgh Self Store, and Stirling Self Storage – they provide secure, flexible space for every need. This expertise is seamlessly supported by Sterling Sinclair's premier fleet of 19 specialist vehicles, ensuring professional packing, removal, and shipping services. Furthermore, their Hiab Container Scotland division completes their comprehensive service by expertly selling and moving shipping containers throughout Scotland. Find all the details at sterlingsinclairremovals.co.uk which includes their storage options. https://www.sterlingsinclairremovals.co.uk https://www.hiabcontainerscotland.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High scores and low turnout – a crisis in Scottish rugby?

2026/09/07

Barney and Burnsy are joined by Eric Jones to discuss all the latest in the men and women’s Premierships, which included some major blow-outs on the scoreboard. They also examine Edinburgh and Glasgow’s pre-season games and preview a daunting WXV campaign awaiting Scotland. This week we’re sponsored by Sterling Sinclair Group. As the undisputed masters of the Scottish self-storage and removals industry, the Sterling Sinclair Group delivers a complete one-stop shop experience across the nation. Through their strategic facilities – Perth Self Store, Edinburgh Self Store, and Stirling Self Storage – they provide secure, flexible space for every need. This expertise is seamlessly supported by Sterling Sinclair's premier fleet of 19 specialist vehicles, ensuring professional packing, removal, and shipping services. Furthermore, their Hiab Container Scotland division completes their comprehensive service by expertly selling and moving shipping containers throughout Scotland. Find all the details at sterlingsinclairremovals.co.uk which includes their storage options. https://www.sterlingsinclairremovals.co.uk https://www.hiabcontainerscotland.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clubhouse: Buoyant Heriot's head to Malleny

2026/09/03

Barney, Stuart Cameron and Robin Purdie reconvene to digest the first round of Arnold Clark Men's Premiership action last weekend, and to look ahead to round two, with match of the day likely to be Currie Chieftains and Heriot's at Malleny Park, with both sides coming off big wins last time out and keen to press their credentials as the side who can break Ayr dominance of the league in recent seasons. There's also a humdinger of a clash on the cards at Mansfield Park where Hawick will look to bounce back from their opening round walloping at Goldenacre to extend their impressive winning steak at home against Kelso into a 40th year. This episode is supported by PhiiT Limited and their app, PitchsidePal. If you've ever played club rugby, you'll know the drill – the coach is texting players at midnight about who's available, players are waiting to find out if they're cleared to play, and someone's injury notes are on a piece of paper that's about to go through the wash. Sara Marshall has been there as a physio – at Edinburgh Uni, Watsonians and Lasswade – and she built PitchsidePal to sort it out. It's a single platform for physios, coaches, and players to manage injuries, clinic bookings, return-to-play dates, and communications, all in one place, designed specifically for the amateur game. If your club needs to get organised book a meeting or demo with Sara now through phiit.org.uk. Act now to use code PRESEASON26 for 5% off your first year's subscription before 30th September. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back!

2026/08/31

Hello Offside Liners and welcome to season 3! Barney and Burnsy get back on the horse after a restful summer and are fired up and ready to go. This week they discuss the first round of the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership and chat with Eric Jones ahead of the opening round of the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership this weekend. This episode is supported by PhiiT Limited and their app, PitchsidePal. If you've ever played club rugby, you'll know the drill – the coach is texting players at midnight about who's available, players are waiting to find out if they're cleared to play, and someone's injury notes are on a piece of paper that's about to go through the wash. Sara Marshall has been there as a physio – at Edinburgh Uni, Watsonians and Lasswade – and she built PitchsidePal to sort it out. It's a single platform for physios, coaches, and players to manage injuries, clinic bookings, return-to-play dates, and communications, all in one place, designed specifically for the amateur game. If your club needs to get organised book a meeting or demo with Sara now through phiit.org.uk. Act now to use code PRESEASON26 for 5% off your first year's subscription before 30th September. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clubhouse: Ready for kick-off

2026/08/27

As a fresh club season dawns, The Offside Line has launched its new weekly ‘Clubhouse’ podcast, landing every Thursday to digest the latest goings-on in the club game and look ahead to the weekend. This week, Barney, Stuart Cameron and Robin Purdie get together for a whistle-stop tour of the comings and goings in the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership ahead of round one of the 2026/27 campaign on Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.