Former Auckland University rugby team-mates Gavin Hastings and Sean Fitzpatrick will be re-united at a charity fundraiser in Edinburgh on the eve of Scotland’s latest attempt to defeat the New Zealand All Blacks for the first time in 34 meetings (two draws) dating back to 1905.
Ex Scotland captain Hastings visited the land of the Long White Cloud during a sabbatical from Cambridge University and joined subsequent All Black skipper Fitzpatrick’s club; together they shared in a notable Gallacher Shield win before going separate ways.
The latest instalment of the international rivalry takes place on Saturday, November 7 and 24 hours earlier Hastings and Fitzpatrick will headline the “Hoodoo Lunch” – the title refers to Scotland’s record in the fixture – at the George Hotel. MC will be BBC sports corr., Tom English.
Gavin Hastings is the only Scot to captain a winning Test match side against the All Blacks, in the second Lions test at Wellington 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 Gavin’s brother, Scott, who died earlier this year, British Heart Foundation and Watsonian Football Club.
EDINBURGH, Scotland: Watsonian Football Club has today 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 [email protected]
