Scottish rugby has a new rising star as Adelle Ferrie earns her first call-up to the Scotland squad ahead of the Women’s Six Nations Campaign. The second-row’s journey to the national team has been anything but conventional, as she reveals how she carved her own path in the sport.
A Late Start with a Clear Goal
Unlike many of her peers, Ferrie didn’t have the chance to play rugby extensively growing up but that didn’t deter her ambitions.
“There wasn’t a lot of opportunity to play rugby growing up and throughout high school, however, I knew I wanted to play it,” she explains. “When I was applying to universities, I made sure there was a rugby club I could join when I got there.”
Starting out in university rugby, Ferrie initially played on the wing before settling into her natural position in the second row. As she moved through more structured teams, she solidified her role and began to truly develop as a player.
Finding Passion in Physicality
Ferrie attributes her love for the game to its physical nature and the constant push to improve.
“For me, it’s the physicality and competitiveness of the sport. I love that it pushes me to be fitter and stronger, and I always have something to work on,” she says. “It gives me so much purpose and drive to be a better player.”
The Road to Edinburgh and the Scotland Dream
Her path to the national squad wasn’t straightforward. After university, Ferrie played for Howe of Fife for three years before making a crucial decision to move to Edinburgh.
“I played in Carlisle for a stint while I got myself into a financial position to move to Edinburgh. I knew I wanted to play rugby, and during this period, I decided my ambition was to play for Scotland,” she recalls. “It’s quite crazy to think back because I really was not very good at this point, but I made that decision then.”
Joining Costorphine Cougars proved to be a pivotal moment in her development. “I joined the team very inexperienced and got to play with some incredible players like Tanya Griffiths, who really helped and pushed me,” she says. “Winning the league this year was amazing – it’s been a long time coming!”
Her head coach, Eric Jones, played a crucial role in changing her mindset. “He told me that if I wanted to play at a higher level, I needed to make changes to my lifestyle and sacrifice social obligations. Essentially, ‘act like an athlete to be an athlete.’ That one conversation changed everything for me.”
Ferrie took the advice seriously, prioritising rugby above all else. “I stopped going out on weekends, said no to things that weren’t serving me and said yes to more rugby opportunities. From then on, I think I missed one game in two seasons playing for the Cougars.”
A Dream Realised
Ferrie’s hard work and sacrifices paid off when she received her long-awaited call-up to the Scotland squad.
“I was actually at work when I received the email, sitting at my desk. Honestly, I just couldn’t believe it and took about 20 minutes to process it before I told anyone,” she says. “It’s like a moment you have waited so long for finally happens, and it just seems so surreal.”
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges how much has changed since her student days. “Back then, I had no expectations from the sport. I was just playing socially and didn’t really watch rugby on TV or understand international,” she admits. “My younger self would be completely shocked.”
Her advice to her past self? “Trust that you will find your path in your own time. I used to panic about not having a clear direction, but you just have to trust the process and go after your dreams no matter what anyone tells you.”
Embracing the Next Challenge
Now, Ferrie is eager to take on the challenge of training alongside Scotland’s best.
“I’m just excited to train alongside the best players in the country. I think I will thrive in the professional setup, being surrounded by so much talent and learning from the best,” she says. “I like that everyone is probably going to be better than me, and I’m so excited for the challenge to play up to that standard.”
With her relentless drive and commitment, Adelle Ferrie’s journey from university rugby to the Scotland squad is a testament to perseverance, self-belief and the power of hard work. As she steps onto the international stage, she carries with her not just a dream fulfilled, but an inspiring story of determination and dedication.
Photo Credit: N50.
