It was a vibrant weekend for sport at the College, with pupils and former pupils (and even some staff cameos) embracing both competition and community in equal measure.

Our Rugby and Netball fixtures were played with determination and composure, while Boys and Girls Hockey squads demonstrated skill, resilience and growing confidence throughout.

New for the 2026 line-up, Basketball added an exciting dimension to the programme, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the courts.

Alongside these performances, the P7 and S1 fun event captured the spirit of participation and transition, filled with enthusiasm and encouragement, and the leavers’ matches offered a proud and poignant opportunity to celebrate commitment and contribution.

Altogether, the weekend reflected the values of teamwork, respect and enjoyment that sit at the heart of sport within the College.

Rugby, Countesswells

The teams were piped onto the pitch by Austin (S4) and were joined by Junior School mascots, who proudly walked alongside their peers. The Leavers came out strong early, dominating in attack and setting the pace from the start. However, the 1st XV turned things around in style, taking control and securing a commanding 29-10 at full time. Congratulations to Tolu (S6), who was awarded Player of the Match. 

Mr Riddle, 1st XV Coach, said: “It was an amazing day and a really hard fought game between two talented year groups. To welcome back last year's leavers was an absolute privilege. A lot of those boys helped us win the National Schools Plate on the Hive last year, so to have this year's National Schools Shield winners go toe to toe with them was always going to make for a brilliant game of rugby. 

“Most importantly, the fixture gave both the players and myself the opportunity to reconnect with one another. We created some extremely special memories together last year, so to have both teams together at the same time again was incredibly special. I think that’s what makes the leavers game so important. 

“A massive personal thank you to the leavers’ side who travelled up to Countesswells to play. I hope it was a memorable event for you all, and thank you for continuing to help RGC Rugby grow.” 

Watch the live stream with S6 pupil Finlay commentating. 

Netball, Aberdeen Sports Village

The sound of bagpipes rang out at Aberdeen Sports Village as Rebecca (S3) led the girls onto the court for the eagerly awaited netball fixture. RGC 1st VII was led by Vice-Captains Elizabeth C & Georgina T and the Leavers’ team by their captain, Ava B, alongside beaming Junior School mascots. 

After an intense nail-biting game, the full-time victory was awarded to the 1st VII, who triumphed with a 35-16 win over the Leavers. Congratulations to Shawna (S6), who was awarded Player of the Match. 

Miss Duddy, Ist VII Coach, said: “The Leavers’ fixture is always a highlight in the netball calendar and one players and staff look forward to - especially this year, which saw the fixture move indoors for the very first time! This game is always a closely contested affair, but the 1st VII stepped it up this year, showing their impressive speed through court and putting their evident height advantage to good use. 

“The highlight of the occasion is seeing current and former players reconnecting on court with each other and still sharing the same love of the game and a heartfelt thank you goes to our Leavers’ for making the journey back to Aberdeen for this fixture - we couldn’t do it without their efforts.” 

Watch the live stream with Fraser R and Harrison S (S6) commentating.

Basketball, Banks O’Dee

Marking a historic milestone as the first basketball Leavers’ fixture in the history of RGC, and highlighting the continued growth of basketball within the College, the teams were piped onto the court by S4 pupil Riyansh at Banks O’Dee Sports Club. 

Miss MacIver, Ist Team Coach, said: “It was great to see RGC host our first-ever Leavers basketball match at Banks O’ Dee on Friday night. Both teams were piped onto the court, with Leavers dating back to 1990 taking part. With a fast paced and very evenly matched game, the Leavers came out on top in the last quarter, winning the match 48-43. Huge congratulations to RGC Leaver Zion, who was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant performance throughout the whole 40 minutes.”

Football, Countesswells

To the well known sounds of the UEFA Champions League Anthem, the RGC 1st XI Boys team, led by their captain Sam (S6), and the Leavers, led by their captain Seid (Class of 2025), walked onto the pitch alongside their Junior School mascots Brodie and Bryce. After a strong defensive start on the pitch for the leavers, the 1st XI Boys won their football fixture with an incredible 7-0 win. Congratulations to Michael from RGC Leavers, who was awarded Player of the Match. 

Mr McNeil, Head of Football, said: “Leavers’ weekend is one all staff and pupils look out for in the calendar. The quality of goals scored this year will be tough to beat in future editions of the fixture. The current RGC 1st XI were clinical and put the Leavers to the sword without letting up on what was the warmest day of the year so far. 

“It was fantastic to see some familiar players take to the football pitches at Countesswells once again, and brilliant to see so many of the RGC community along to spectate. Next year’s 1st XI will have their work cut out to retain the trophy for RGC against such a strong group of Leavers.”

Boys’ Hockey, Countesswells

The crowd was electric as the RGC 1st XI team faced off against the Leavers in an exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat match. The teams were first led out by pipers Robbie (P5) and Riyansh (S4) and mascot Oliver (P6), before then being cheered on by the ‘S6 pupil managers’ James and Finlay in the dugout. The 1st XI were crowned this year's winners with a 6-5 win over the Leavers. Congratulations to Thijmen (S6), who was awarded Player of the Match. 

Mr Walker, Ist XI Coach, said: “The Leavers’ match is always a highlight of the Hockey season, and this game was one of the best. Pelican Park saw both teams go at it from the first whistle in an end-to-end contest that saw plenty of goals and some great skills. In the end, the 1st XI got the win, a great way to finish the season after all their effort and hard work throughout the year. A big shout-out to the S6 managers on the day, they certainly brought something special to the occasion, and to all the Leavers who played, it was great seeing them all again.”

Girls’ Hockey, Countesswells.

Our Senior Girls XI team had a thrilling match against the RGC Leavers. Primary 7 pupil Abby piped the mascots and teams onto the pitch. The match finished with a Leavers’ victory of 6-1. Congratulations to Olivia (S6) who was awarded Player of the Match. 

Meanwhile, a fun P7 vs S1 Girls’ Hockey match provided a friendly finish to the season. Aanya, Abby and Kate piped the teams onto the water-based pitch, where P7 gained experience of stepping up to a larger, full-size surface for the first time, finishing with a 2-2 draw and medals presented to both teams.

Mr Boniface, Head of Hockey, said: “After hearing all the hype in the lead up, it was safe to say my first Leavers’ fixture lived up to expectations. From the constant support from the crowd to the high quality hockey on display, it was a great showcase for the school. 

“Special thank you to all the leavers that attended, without you these matches aren’t possible. Another highlight for me was seeing the next generation of RGC hockey showcased. The P7 v S1 was an exciting end to end game with a late comeback from S1 to secure a 2-2 draw. 

“The future is bright, with such competitive teams moving through the school.”