THE METEORIC RISE OF RUGBY AT STRATHALLAN

IN THE SAME YEAR THAT STRATHALLAN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IT’S RUGBY ACADEMY, PUTTING INTO WORDS THE SUPPORT RUGBY PLAYERS HAVE RECEIVED AT THE SCHOOL FOR WELL OVER A DECADE, FORMER

PUPIL JAMIE RITCHIE WAS NAMED SCOTLAND CAPTAIN AHEAD OF THE AUTUMN NATIONS SERIES IN OCTOBER.

A Judo scholar at school, his rapid rise to the full team was complete with a cap against Canada in 2018 and since then he has been featured as a Vice-Captain, in the 2021 Calcutta Cup, as well as Co-Captain and now the 26-year-old is set to lead his country again into the 2023 Six Nations.

However, Jamie is far from the only Strathallian on a Scottish squad, in fact 2022 saw the rise of two more Strathallians to the hallowed ranks of full internationals as well as pupils selected for positions on senior pathways.

Ollie Smith was the first of two internationals to make his debut in July in the Third Test against Argentina. Posting about his first cap later, the 21-year-old full-back said he was “Incredibly proud to make my debt. A special way to end the season.” Since then, he has been selected for the 2022 Autumn Nations and is now set to make an appearance in the 2023 Six Nations squad after a phenomenal try against Australia in October at Murrayfield.

Another Strath player turned Glasgow Warrior, Murphy Walker made his debut on home ground on the 5th of

Further down the Scottish Rugby ranks but no less impressive, Callum Norrie, who was still sitting his final year exams, was chosen for the U20 Six Nations squad alongside former Captain of Rugby, Andy Stirrat. Quickly becoming known as Scotland’s schoolboy prop, Callum powered over the line for a memorable try against France in February, earning him a place in the U20 Summer Series.

In April, then current student Alexander Thom was chosen for the Scotland U18 Six Nations Festival in France. Now Medical student at Edinburgh University, Alexander said, “It was an unforgettable experience with a hugely talented squad that put in three high-quality performances.” in the U19 1872 Cup Clash. Eric Davey and Jonny Morris representing Glasgow Warriors and Innes Parkin, Alex Thom and Duncan Web playing for Edinburgh Rugby.

Across the pond, former pupil Charlotte Gilmour has been making her own meteoric impact on American Colleigate Rugby. Responsible for the most carries of the season, the former Captain of School helped the historic team into the NIRA Championship Finals against Dartmouth.

And on their own incredible journey through the conference, the U16A team went from almost complete losses the year before to a nail-biting final in the Scottish Schools Cup against Erskine Stewart Melville at Murrayfield.

Advancing their own game at a regional level, Anna-Lily S, Jos N, Lottie R and Nathalie R, who get support from Strathallan Rugby Academy coaches, were all selected for the Caledonia Midlands U18 pathway ahead of the upcoming Girl’s Regional Series in 2023.

Jos N, who has been playing the game for eight years, said, “There’s been a huge change in girls rugby, it’s so fun to play together. Being selected for Midlands gives us something to strive for. It’s a challenge, the coaches push us. I can’t wait to get started.”

In June, a mix of current pupils, Strathallians and staff took part in the inaugural Adam Pattinson Touch Rugby Tournament at Perthshire Rugby in memory of former pupil, Craigclowan Prep School teacher and Perthshire Rugby Captain, Adam. The Strathallan side ended up winning the tournament.

The 1st XV squad headed to their first-ever appearance at St Joseph College’s National Rugby Festival in October. As the only Scottish side, it was a fantastic opportunity for our players to take on top rugby-playing schools in the UK and leave their comfort zones behind as they faced more physical and quicker matches than any of the Scottish schools they face in the SRU Conference.

Newly appointed Director of Rugby, Nick Hill said, “The atmosphere was electric all weekend which added to the experience. Although he couldn’t play Curtis McD did an amazing job piping the players onto the pitch each game, adding to the atmosphere and showcasing our traditional Scottish culture. His piping was a constant talk along the touchlines throughout the weekend.”

Not long after they returned from England, Vice-Captain Murray O was called up for Scottish Rugby’s New Youth Panel and in November, five former 1st XV teammates faced off

Andrew Henderson, Director of Strathallan Rugby Academy, said, “School rugby provides a very important layer in the development of our young players. Some are just starting on their journeys, other are well on their way, I just hope we have helped develop the drive and determination to make it to the top of the game.”

To watch the "The Road to Murrayfield" about the U16A journey to the final click on the QR code here.