BBC Scotland’s Tom English to host marquee discussion featuring two of rugby’s greatest captains at The George Hotel
Watsonian Football Club has announced that former All Black captain and World Cup winner Sean Fitzpatrick and Scottish rugby icon Gavin Hastings will headline ‘The Hoodoo Lunch’ at The George Hotel on Friday, 6th November 2026.
Taking place on the eve of Scotland’s Nations Championship test match against New Zealand, the event brings two of world rugby’s most legendary figures together on stage.
Chaired by BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English, the feature discussion will examine rugby’s ultimate rivalry, shared memories of battling the All Blacks, and Scotland’s ongoing quest to break the “Hoodoo”.
Gavin Hastings is the only Scot to captain a winning test match side against the All Blacks, in the second Lions test in 1993, and the afternoon will also feature contributions from Watsonian internationalists who took on New Zealand over the decades.
Watsonian Football Club president John McLellan said: “New Zealand don’t seem to be getting any weaker, but we hope our first Hoodoo lunch will also be the last if Scotland score a historic victory the day after.
“We’re looking forward to hearing from Gavin and Sean about how it might be achieved.”
The lunch is in aid of Maggie’s Centre, in memory of Scott Hastings, the British Heart Foundation and Watsonian Football Club.
Event & Ticket Details:
- Date: Friday, 6th November 2026
- Venue: The George Hotel, 19-21 George St, Edinburgh
- Format: Welcome drink, 2-course lunch, and a half-bottle of wine per person
- Pricing: £100 (Members) | £120 + VAT (Non-Members) | Corporate Tables of 10 (£1,200 + VAT)
- Bookings: Reserve directly via Fanbase or email info@watsoniansrugby.com
PICTURED: Corey Hastings, Gavin Hastings, Kerry-Anne Hastings