When Law Society of Scotland RFC tackled their French peers

The Law Society of Scotland RFC rekindled the legal Auld Alliance on 15 March when they were hosted by their French peers of Le Rugby Club du Palais for the final day of the Six Nations Championship at the prestigious venue of Le Stade Jean Bouin (home of Stade Francais) in Paris.

Following a tight fixture at the home of international rugby (Raeburn Place, Edinburgh) in 2024 (in which the touring French solicitors were victorious) this year’s return match was a more one-sided affair with the Gallic lawyers prevailing 72-42 in a free-flowing game.

After being piped out onto the pitch and the formalities of anthems performed by a customary French brass band, the LSSRFC got off to a slow start as they conceded 4 early tries to an organised and motivated host team, bolstered by a legion of eager substitutions and hundreds of supporters in the Parisian Spring sunshine.

However, the tourists rallied and began to string together some fluid play with strong performances from many debutants in including backs Tom Keddari (Enoda Ltd) and trainee solicitors Nathan Brown (Burness Paull) Fraser Hammond (Addleshaw Goddard) and former Scotland 7s and Glasgow Warriors player Paddy Kelly (Shepherd & Wedderburn).

Scottish tries from Kelly, Nick Hart (2), Craig Brodie (Shepherd & Wedderburn) and veteran lock Scott Connarty (Veritone) in his final match gave the visitors a foothold.

However the host’s strength in depth prevailed in the final quarter as Scottish legs tired on a fast pitch with a flurry of late French scores.

The good natured spirit of the game was followed off the pitch as the Parisian hospitality continued in the Stadium’s corporate suite as the crowd and teams were entertained to a celebration of fine French cuisine, music, piping and song whilst watching the six nations international matches. A toast was proposed by our hosts and the reply was delivered, stirringly, by Club President Gavin MacGregor (Phoenix Group) in French. Paddy Kelly was deservedly awarded the player of the match trophy. The LSSRFC squad then attended the Scotland v France game that evening in the colossal Stade de France where unfortunately the Scottish side were also on the wrong end of the result.

A great weekend had by all with solicitors young and old from across Scotland and France getting together in the spirit of rugby and the law. A special thanks also goes to the Law Society of Scotland and LawCare for their shirt sponsorship.

The LSSRFC now look forward to welcoming their hosts back to Edinburgh for a return fixture in 2026 to continue the legal Auld Alliance match. A fixture this coming Autumn is also planned as well as invitational sevens tournaments through the summer.

The team are always looking for new solicitors to get involved. All standards of rugby experience are welcome - from law students and regional league players, to veterans and those who have played at the elite level of the game. Match and longer term sponsorship enquiries are also welcome.

Anyone interested in playing in future fixtures should contact George Bruce (George.Bruce@shepwedd.com)