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NEWCASTLE RED BULLS U23S TO FACE EDINBURGH A IN DODDIE CUP CLASH
Newcastle Red Bulls U23s will take on Edinburgh A in a special Doddie Cup fixture at Melrose Rugby's Greenyards on Friday December 11.
The match will form part of Melrose Rugby's 150th anniversary celebrations, bringing together two sides for a special occasion that will also raise funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
Entry to the fixture will be pay on the gate only, with all proceeds going directly to the Foundation. Melrose Rugby will also host a ticketed pre-match function, with booking details to be announced in due course.
Doddie Cup launch at Melrose Rugby
© Edinburgh Rugby
Founded by former Newcastle lock and Scotland international Doddie Weir, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation is dedicated to funding research into motor neurone disease (MND) and supporting people affected by the condition.
The fixture will see the two sides meet at the historic Greenyards, providing an opportunity for supporters to celebrate Melrose Rugby's milestone anniversary while contributing to an important cause.
Further information on the pre-match function and additional fundraising activities will be announced in due course.
It's a great opportunity to bring people together for a brilliant cause, while also celebrating Melrose Rugby's 150th anniversary.
Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Doddie was a hugely respected figure in rugby and someone who holds a special place in Newcastle's history.
“Having represented all the clubs involved in this fixture, he leaves a lasting legacy across the game. It's particularly special for us to be hosting this fixture in his name and helping continue the fantastic work of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
“It's a great opportunity to bring people together for a brilliant cause, while also celebrating Melrose Rugby's 150th anniversary.
“We're looking forward to taking on Edinburgh, welcoming supporters from both sides of the border and putting on an entertaining evening of rugby at the Greenyards.”
We’re delighted to be taking part in this fixture and helping to raise money for such a brilliant cause in My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Edinburgh Rugby managing director Douglas Struth said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in this fixture and helping to raise money for such a brilliant cause in My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
“It’s a real privilege to play at The Greenyards, one of the most famous venues in world rugby, and to be part of Melrose’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
“We’re really looking forward to going head-to-head with our friends south of the border at Newcastle Red Bulls.
“Melrose is only a short trip for fans of both Edinburgh and Newcastle, and we’d love to see supporters from both sides come along and pack out The Greenyards for what promises to be a great Friday night in December.”
Doddie Cup will form part of Melrose Rugby's 150-year anniversary
© Edinburgh Rugby
Paul Thompson, director of fundraising and engagement said: “It’s fantastic to see Edinburgh Rugby and Newcastle Red Bulls coming together for this special fixture, particularly as part of Melrose Rugby’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Doddie had strong connections with Newcastle and Melrose, and it’s wonderful to see his legacy continuing to be celebrated through the game he loved.
“MND is a brutal disease and there is an urgent need for treatments. Every pound raised helps us fund vital research and move closer to a world free of MND.
"We’re hugely grateful to Edinburgh Rugby, Newcastle Red Bulls and Melrose Rugby for their support, and hope supporters will turn out in force at The Greenyards to help us make that progress possible."
Doug Crawford, general manager at Melrose Rugby added: “To be hosting the Doddie Cup at the Greenyards in our 150th anniversary is absolutely fantastic.
“Doddie meant the world to Melrose Rugby and his legacy remains at the heart of the Club, so to be raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation on the December 11 is great.
“Both Newcastle and Edinburgh have been brilliant to work with and I’m excited to see the two sides go head-to-head.
“I’m sure there will be some familiar faces in both sides, so it should be a cracking evening of rugby and a great night for all the family.”
DODDIE CUP FIXTURE DETAILS
Newcastle Red Bulls U23s v Edinburgh A
Venue: Greenyards, Melrose Rugby
Date: Friday December 11, 2026
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Entry: Pay on the gate only, with all gate proceeds going to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Live stream: Newcastle Red Bulls YouTube channel.
