St Andrews rugby duo selected for Scotland U20s
Two members of the University of St Andrews Men’s Rugby performance squad represented Scotland U20s against Wales U20s last week in a friendly fixture played at Methyr RFC.
The fixture provided an opportunity for many of the squad to get their first taste of U20 rugby as Scotland build towards the 2025 Under-20 Six Nations.
1st Year student Oliver Finlayson-Russell (MA Management Hons) started at number 8, with fellow Saint 1st Year Jamie Thomson (BSC Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry) coming off the bench as Scotland lost out to Wales 31-7.
Oliver Finlayson-Russell, said: “Coming through the U18 academy system it has always been a goal of mine to represent Scotland 20s. After watching their success in the world trophy during the summer. It was a great privilege to be able to represent them in the development game against Wales. It was a really amazing experience and one I won’t forget for a while.”
Jamie Thomson, said: “Coming through the National pathway system, it has always been a goal of mine to be involved with the Scotland U20s group, and to then be a part of the development squad against Wales was an honour.”
Both players are part of the Men’s performance squad – one of a small number of targeted performance teams at St Andrews – which recently reclaimed the Scottish Varsity Match trophy from ancient rivals the University of Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium, Edinburgh, in front of a crowd of over 4,500 fans.
Founded in 1858, the University of St Andrews Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest sports clubs at the University and is the sixth oldest rugby club in the world. The club is a founder member of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) and has been an integral part of the University for 160 years.
The club has gone on to produce over 25 international rugby players who between them have gained 150 international caps, including four British & Irish Lions and eight players who have represented the Barbarians.
Led by full time Director of Rugby David Morris, the vision is to deliver a world-renowned university rugby programme that provides players with a unique rugby experience and the support to enable them to fulfil their potential and achieve sporting and academic excellence whilst studying at St Andrews.
