Recent Strathallan graduate, Archie McMichael is one of the Perthshire pupils to recieve a significant selection, as he has been welcomed into the Glasgow Warriors' new 26-man senior academy.
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Archie in action for Strathallan 1st XV at St Joseph's National Rugby Festival
Archie joins fellow Strathallan alumni in the new academy, including standout back-rower Jonny Morris and tight-head prop Callum Norrie, both of whom played pivotal roles in helping Scotland U20 secure promotion back to the World Rugby U20 Championship.
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Archie with Strathallan U16 at the Scottish Schools Cup Final in 2022.
The Glasgow academy players will soon integrate with Franco Smith’s squad at Scotstoun Stadium as they prepare for the 2024/25 season. The current Glasgow Warriors squad includes Strathallians Matt and Zander Fagerson, George Horne, Murphy Walker and Ollie Smith. Reigning champions of the BKT United Rugby Championship, they will kick off their title defence with an away match against Ulster on Saturday 21st of September.
In an unforgettable final weekend of school, Class of 2024 graduate Jos Norrie made a remarkable commitment by leaving her Leavers' Ball early to get ready for a pivotal Scottish U18 match the next day. Her dedication paid off, as she was selected for the Scotland Women U18 Development side. This squad is a crucial step forward as Scotland begins to build its team for the 2025 U18 Women’s Six Nations. Jos and the Scottish side wrapped up their Summer Festival with an impressive 22-12 victory over the Netherlands.
Jos in action for Scotland - Photo credit: Mandy Norrie
This year’s new Boy’s Captain of Rugby, Adam W also received a national call-up joining the Scottish Men’s U18 Development squad. The team travelled to Dublin for the U18 Festival, where they faced tough competition. After a narrow loss to Italy, they drew against Wales before clinching a victory over Ireland.
Adam on the field for Scotland in Dublin - Photo credit: Stuart Williamson
Reflecting on the experience, Adam, who also played in a historic Barbarians v Rugby School match last term, said, "It was actually insane playing for Scotland, especially against teams like Ireland and Wales. I feel like it’s a testament to the hard work I put in last year."
The summer also saw a substantial number of Strathallan students participating in the Caledonia Regional summer program. Among them was Buzby W, who seems to be following in his brother Murphy's footsteps, playing for the U17 Caledonia side against Glasgow.
Additionally, Captain of School Fergus T, Finlay R-D, Max E, Kyle B, Fraser S and Milos C were some of the Strathallan players selected for the U18 matches, with five representing Caledonia and one for Glasgow. The Caledonia squad concluded their summer program, which included a week of intensive training at Strathallan, on a high note with a victory.
Strathallan players face each other on the field in the last U18 match of the Caledonia program
Director of Strathallan’s Rugby Academy, Andrew Henderson, said, "I have always viewed the opportunity to work with the players at Strathallan as a privilege. Helping players reach their goals as part of their journey for rugby while here or after school is always an exciting and at times a demanding challenge. Making sure the boys and girls in the Rugby Academy become not only great players but great people is also key to providing what it needs to be for a performance environment. Every year is different and always has a bit of the unknown to keep it interesting. We have a huge season ahead and the 60+ players who have turned up for preseason are already showing signs that they want this to be a succession season for them all.”
