Glasgow Warriors and the Glasgow Academy joined forces at the famous school today to back the teams’ attempts to complete a west of Scotland cup double.

Former pupil and Glasgow Warriors player Johnnie Beattie attended the school to make the draw for the quarter-final of the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Cup along-side the school’s under-18 team captain and Scotland under-18s player Robert McAlpine - the pair then teamed up with the rest of the school to show joint support for their up and coming Bell Lawrie and David Lloyd 1872 cup matches.

Scotland and Glasgow Warriors no.8, Johnnie Beattie, said: “I’ve always been incredibly proud to represent my school and city; and to follow in the footsteps of my father by playing for Glasgow.

“The two David Lloyd 1872 Cup fixtures are massively important. After we won the trophy last season it proved to be the catalyst for a run of wins that led us to our best ever finish in the Magners League.

“Now we’re currently second in the league and if we want to improve on that position then we’ve got to win the next two games.

“Both Glasgow and Edinburgh teams are packed with Scotland internationalists and everyone will be looking to impress ahead of the RBS 6 Nations.

“The prospect of playing in front of a record crowd for a professional game in Scotland is something I really looking forward to but we don’t need any extra motivation than beating Edinburgh.”
 
Beattie, the most recently capped Scotland player to come from the school, was delighted to show his support for his and his father’s (John Beattie Snr) former school.
 
“Playing for your school was always an honour and that feeling continued as I progressed, playing for Glasgow district sides, so it’s great to get together with my old school and show the city’s cup efforts”, said Beattie.
 

“The Academy have a couple of ties to see out before they make the quarter finals but it’s great to hear that the guys are confident that they can reach the semis.”
 
As Glasgow Warriors look to retain the David Lloyd 1872 Cup, which they won after overturning the 35-31 defeat at Murrayfield, the school’s under-18s look to complete a city double by overturning potential quarter final opponents George Heriot’s School or the High School of Dundee.

Following the draw, several potential Edinburgh derby ties featuring last season’s finalists are looming in both the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools Cup under-18 and under-15 competitions.

Should under-18s Cup holders Merchiston Castle School overturn Gordonstoun, they will come up against Robert Gordon’s College or George Watson’s - who they defeated in last season’s final.

In addition, inner-city under-15s clashes in the quarter finals have been drawn between last season’s finalists George Heriot’s School and George Watson’s College, while Stewart’s Melville College will host Edinburgh Academy.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early for the David Lloyd 1872 Cup Boxing Day derby clash to take advantage of the pre-match festivities around Murrayfield Stadium – featuring Murrayfield’s new big screens.

Food and drink will be available throughout the stadium and Murrayfield’s President’s Suite in the west stand is open to everyone (capacity restrictions apply).

Also, the first 300 adult fans in the President’s Suite will be entitled to free mince pies and mulled wine.

Traffic Police have also issued some important information regarding car parking around the stadium – click here for more game and travel information.