Alumni News

Johnny V. and Matthew U. (class of 2023) made for Trinidad and Tobago last week with the Team Scotland rugby squad to take part in the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. The team, captained by Johnny, were up against high temperatures as well as formidable foes Canada and Jamaica. Both of the team's first competitors made a strong challenge, each having their own set of skills and tactics to use to their advantage. Team Scotland pushed through both of their games and took with them 2 wins - 24-12 against Canada and 52-0 against Jamaica.

With two great games under their belt, the team took a loss 32 - 5 to Fiji, but followed it up with an exhilarating match against South Africa where they won 19 - 17 thanks to a last-minute try.

Team Scotland eventually found themselves in the Gold Medal match - up against the undefeated Fiji once again. The game remained close through all of it's run time - with both teams sitting neck and neck at 10-10, then 20-20 as the final whistle blew. Extra time followed, with everything to play for. Team Scotland managed to score the golden try - winning 25 - 20. This makes the team the first team in Scottish history to win a team medal at the Commonwealth Games or Commonwealth Youth Games. 

The team were also joined by another OA, Niamh Barrie (class of '14) - who was Media Media manager for Team Scotland at the Games. It's great to have had so much OA talent both on and off the pitch! 

Niamh, Johnny, and Matthew. Photo from Niamh Barrie.

Well done to all of the teams involved, what a competition! 

Read more from Team Scotland.

How it started. Johnny and Matthew in Junior School.