Hawks Onside – Season 2024- 25 Final Edition
Glasgow Hawks RFC
Editorial
The Longest League Season: A Triumph for the Hawks
The longest league season in Glasgow Hawks’ history, spanning 22 games, finally came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, 5th April, at Balgray. The Hawks sealed their place in the Premiership for the 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 43-27 victory over Selkirk RFC.
It all started in early August with a series of friendly matches, but it was in September, when the Hawks took on Musselburgh, that the campaign truly began in earnest. A strong opening saw the Hawks defeat Musselburgh, but as the season progressed, the journey became far from straightforward. A frustrating mixture of wins and losses created a cloud of uncertainty, and with just four matches remaining, the spectre of relegation still loomed large. Not helped by a series of injuries to key players and players being withdrawn for age group duties.
Despite the tension, the team responded with some of their best rugby of the season. They secured 11 valuable league points during this period, leaving them in 8th place on the table, an achievement that would prove pivotal in their survival.
When the fixture list was released, pundits speculated that 44 points would be required to stave off relegation – an average of two points per game. As the season played out, this prediction proved to be almost eerily accurate. The four former Super 6 Clubs newly parachuted into the Premiership and thanks to generous SRU funding, were widely expected to be tough competitors, making it seem unlikely that the Hawks would earn points from these fixtures. However, to the delight of the fans, the Hawks defied expectations and secured points from all but one of them, with the only failure coming at the hands of Ayr.
Despite these positive results, one of the most crushing moments of the season came just before Christmas, when the Hawks suffered a disappointing loss to Marr at Balgray. It was a bitter blow, but the team came out of the break refocused and determined to finish the season strongly.
The real high point, however, was the closing stretch. In the final four games, the Hawks scored a remarkable 22 tries, showcasing the attacking prowess that has been a hallmark of the team throughout the year. These thrilling performances ultimately secured their place in the Premiership, with the Selkirk victory on 5th April marking a fitting end to a rollercoaster season.
With the 2024 season now in the books, the focus shifts to the future. The Hawks have earned the right to compete at the highest level for another season, and the club’s supporters can look forward to more thrilling rugby action in 2025-26. For now, though, the Hawks can take pride in a season of resilience, growth, and excitement. Here’s to the next chapter in Glasgow Hawks RFC’s storied history!
Top Performers and Key Moments:
• Final Game Heroics: 43-27 win over Selkirk RFC – securing Premiership survival.

. The Great Fightback: 11 league points during the critical final stretch, lifting the Hawks to 8th place.
• A Strong Finish: 22 tries in the final 4 games, proving the Hawks’ attacking dynamism.
Looking ahead, there’s much to be proud of, and many exciting challenges to face in the upcoming season. Let’s go, Hawks!
Andy Hill Retirement Announcement
A version of this article first appeared on the Glasgow Hawks Facebook page
Andy Hill – Head Coach
"Hilly, thanks for the memories."
After years of unwavering commitment, Andy Hill – or simply “Hilly” to many – has announced his decision to step down as Head Coach of Glasgow Hawks. Fittingly, he shared the news with the squad in the post-match huddle at Balgray, moments after a hard-fought win over Selkirk.
Hilly’s contribution to the Hawks, both as a player and as a coach, spans many years and countless moments that have helped shape the club and helped to develop young players to reach their full potential. Much of his work went on behind the scenes, but its impact was deeply felt throughout the team and the wider Hawks family.
A proud Lanarkshire man, Andy brought a no-nonsense, straight-talking approach that earned the respect of players and staff alike. He led during some of the most turbulent periods in recent Scottish club rugby history – from the divisive introduction of Super 6, which saw Hawks lose many key players, through the challenges of the Covid years, and then into the reintegration of four Super 6 clubs into a highly competitive Premiership.
Through it all, Andy’s leadership ensured the Hawks remained competitive, resilient, and Premiership-worthy. That is no small feat – and it deserves real recognition.
So to Andy – thank you. Thank you for your years of service, your passion, your integrity, and your loyalty. To Susan and the family – thank you for sharing him with us. And of course, to Murphy – the four-legged legend who’s been part of the journey every step of the way.
You’ll always be part of the Hawks family.
Best wishes to you for whatever you do in the future

Glasgow Hawks – Record with New Internationalists
Glasgow Hawks continue to provide a vital pathway for young rugby talent, enabling players to reach their potential and earn international honours at age-grade levels for Scotland.

At the Under-20 level, three players were capped:
• Kyle Yule (Centre) – First capped in his first year out of school. Played for Hawks throughout that year.
• Campbell Waugh (Centre) – Capped in his first year after leaving Hutchesons’ Grammar School.
• Olly McKenna (Loosehead Prop) – Capped in his first year out of St. Aloysius’ College. He also represented Scotland at Under-19 level.
At the Under-19 level, two additional players were capped:
• Harry Provan (Fullback) – First played for Hawks while still a pupil at The High School of Glasgow.
• James Campbell (Back Row) – Joined Hawks this season and earned Under-19 honours.
• Congratulations to them all, we will watch their progress with interest
? Glasgow Hawks RFC – 2024–25 Season Summary
? 1st XV – League Performance (2024–25)
• Total Matches Played: 22
• Wins: 7
• Draws: 2
• Losses: 13
• League Position: 8th
➕ Points Breakdown
• Points For: 527
• Points Against: 670
• Points Difference: -143
• Try Bonus Points: 11
• Losing Bonus Points: 4
• Total League Points: 47
? Performance Analysis
The 1st XV faced a challenging season, finishing 8th in the league table. Despite a tough defensive record (conceding 670 points), the team managed to secure 11 try bonus points, indicating attacking potential. The 2 drawn matches and 4 losing bonus points reflect competitiveness in tight games.

? 2nd XV – League Performance
• Matches Played: 18
• Wins: 11
• Losses: 7
• Points For: 534
• Points Against: 428
• Points Difference: +106
• Try Bonus Points: 13
• Losing Bonus Points: 2
• Total League Points: 64
• Achievement: Promoted to the Top Tier of the Arnold Clarke Inter City League 2025–26
? Performance Analysis
The 2nd XV enjoyed a strong campaign, finishing with a positive points difference and a high number of try bonus points. Their promotion is a testament to their attacking flair and overall team consistency.

? Club Awards (2024–25)
• 2nd XV Player of the Year: Bryan Hall
• Young Player of the Year: Campbell Waugh
• Most Improved Player of the Year: Mackenzie Timmins
• Coach’s Player of the Year: Lewis Stewart
• Players’ Player of the Year: Scott Steel
• Clubman of the Year: Matthew Stewart (Neil Watson of Cairnhill Award)

? Summary
Despite a tough season for the 1st XV, the club showed strong development in its depth, evidenced by the 2nd XV’s promotion and individual player progression. The season also highlighted a promising pipeline of talent, with notable contributions from young and improving players.
A Poem by Pam Ayres for all Mothers watching their son playing for Hawks

How can that be my baby? How can that be my son?
Standing on the rugby field, more than six foot one,
Steam is rising from him, his legs are streaked with blood,
And he wears a yellow mouth guard in a face that’s black with mud.

How can that be my baby? How can he look like that?
I used to sit him on my knee and read him Postman Pat,
Those little ears with cotton buds I kept in perfect shape,
But now they’re big and purple and fastened with black tape.

How can that be my baby? When did he reach that size?
What happened to his wellies with little froggy eyes?
His shirt is on one shoulder but it’s hanging off the other,
And a little baffled person at his feet is me; his mother.

Thank you for your support this year and looking forward to seeing you again next season next season.

Alasdair Graham
Membership Secretary
Glasgow Hawks RFC