London Scottish were on the end of a rather heavy defeat to end their pre season preparations ahead of the 2025/26 Champ Rugby campaign. Travelling to Nottingham on a Friday night was always going to be a big test of Bryan Redpath’s men who in patches showed the quality and the side they can be this year. However, they came up against a Nottingham side who looked slicker and further on in preparation for the new season.

Despite this the opening salvo’s of the game had London Scottish on top, a superior kicking game and a scrum that got on top of their opponents, the Scottish forwards were able work field position and score two early tries from the maul and short range attrition.

However, patches of brilliance from their opponents combinded with ill discipline from the Exiles saw the Archers reply in kind to rack up five tries in the first forty. The speed of ball was something Scottish couldn’t live with at times and their superior handling got them to the edge regularly to score some excellent tries.

Just before the half Scottish hit back once again with another try from the maul which was a real weapon throughout to tighten the scores.

The second half though was a more level affair than the scoreline suggested. However, Nottingham took their chances to turn pressure into points. Whilst Scottish laboured in the Nottingham 22 and were unable to find that clinical edge to score crucial tries.

Much to work on for the Exiles going into a massive start to the season with a trip to Caldy. However, a strong forward display on Friday night will give Joe Gray hope his side can mix it with the best of them. However, the consistency around the park must join this to pick up points in the league this season.