Chai Family Teapot 2026
Fettes College, Edinburgh (part of Jesters Tour)
The Chai Family Teapot Tournament returned to Fettes College for its fourth consecutive year, continuing its now-established position as one of the most distinctive fixtures on the Rugby Fives calendar.
The format remains unchanged: family doubles, with pairs related by blood or law.
New Faces & Debuts
Two new families made their tournament debuts in 2026: the Eliotts and the Borthwicks, both fielding sibling pairings.
The Eliotts brought enthusiasm and energy, with Thomas Eliott completing a notable double debut — his first appearance both on a Jesters tour and in the Chai Family Teapot. Their campaign also produced one of the moments of the day, when a lack of sibling coordination led to the Eliotts colliding mid-rally, followed by Zara Eliott deploying her full Head Girl voice to inform her younger brother that it was his fault the ball ended up in the bar. It was not…
The Borthwicks arrived under more trying circumstances. Malcolm Borthwick, having rolled his ankle the previous day at the Loretto Ice Rink while playing for Caley Club, was unfortunately forced to withdraw. His 13-year-old son Oscar stepped in at short notice to partner his brother Archie, showing composure well beyond his years in a demanding debut. Oscar would later find himself on the receiving end of some highly questionable gamesmanship when a nearly 30-year-old Chai, having not played fives for several years, informed him that his hands were “too sore” and that he would therefore have to serve from the opposite side.
Experience, Youth & Family Dynamics
The Frasers once again showcased the classic father-and-son combination. Lochie Fraser, a highly promising schoolboy, demonstrated real quality once fully warmed up and reminded how to play Rugby Fives — much to the visible exasperation of his father, who continues his long-running mission to force his son into the sport. Comparisons with his father, often (and loudly) described as Scotland’s GOAT, remain unavoidable.
Once Lochie found his rhythm, the Frasers surged into an 8–3 lead against the eventual champions, pushing them closer than most.
Commitment across the field was also notable, with Louis McCreath – reportedly injured and therefore unavailable to play for the Fettes 1st IV the day before – miraculously recovering after a conversation with older brother Archie and honouring his commitment to the tournament.
The Champions (Again)
Despite several close matches — notably against the Chais and the Frasers — the outcome at the top of the table was familiar.
The Chan brothers once again lifted the Chai Family Teapot, claiming their fourth consecutive title. They remain unbeaten in every match since the tournament’s inception, a record that continues to invite admiration, disbelief – and unsubstantiated allegations of pre-tournament sabotage, following reports of the Chans attempting to encourage excessive hospitality for their rivals at The Shack the night (or morning) before play.
Innovation & Thanks
This year’s event also featured a successful trial of Squash court Fives, made possible through the support of Stuart Kirby and the introduction of the new dipped balls, both of which were very well received.
Sincere thanks go to Fettes College and Peter Worlledge for hosting once again and for their continued support of this increasingly popular event.