A former age-grade international, Wilson represented Scotland at U16, U18 and U20 levels, including appearances in two U20 Six Nations tournaments and a Junior World Cup. His competitive drive and deep understanding of the game soon translated into a career in coaching and athletic development, most recently as Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Glasgow Warriors women’s team. He also played a key role in the progression of Scotland’s U16, U17 and U18 squads.

For Wilson, joining Dollar is not just a job, but a personal milestone. “Taking on the role of Head of Rugby at Dollar Academy is a genuine honour,” he says. “Dollar has a proud rugby tradition and to be given the responsibility to lead the programme here is something I don’t take lightly. It’s even more surreal when I think back to 2007 when I was part of the Bell Baxter team that beat Dollar in the Schools Cup Final. At that time, I never would have imagined I would be in a position like this -shaping the future of rugby at one of Scotland’s top schools.”

Wilson’s vision is clear: to ensure rugby at Dollar is the highlight of the school day. “My aim for the role is to build upon the strong foundations already in place and develop a programme where rugby is the best part of the school day. We want to ensure pupils at every level feel inspired and valued, equipping them with the skills and values to enjoy the sport.”

That journey starts from the ground up. At Dollar’s prep and junior school, pupils focus on developing movement and athletic skills to create a strong base for rugby. This feeds into a pathway designed to take players all the way through to the school’s senior teams, who compete at the top level in Scottish schools rugby.

The calibre of coaching at Dollar is another point of pride. Wilson has assembled a staff of experienced mentors, including Bob McKillop, Graeme Morrison, and Tim Swinson -all bringing international and age-grade expertise.

“Alongside our full-time staff, we are fortunate to have the expertise of Bob, Graeme and Tim,” Wilson adds. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the school and the game.”

But while Dollar’s ambition is clear, Wilson stresses that rugby at the school is for everyone. “Whether a pupil plays for enjoyment or aspires to reach the highest levels of the game, our goal is to equip them with the skills, mindset and values of the game,” he says.

With Dollar Academy recently named The Sunday Times Scottish Independent School of the Year 2024 and boasting one of the widest co-curricular programmes in the country, Wilson is confident that the school’s unique balance of academics, pastoral care, and sport provides the perfect environment for young people to thrive. As the new season approaches, there’s little doubt that Wilson’s arrival signals an exciting new era for Dollar rugby – one rooted in tradition, but firmly focused on the future.

For more information visit www.dollaracademy.org.uk

The post Stevie Wilson: Driving Dollar Academy’s Rugby Programme into a New Era appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

In September, she was diagnosed with a tumour in her chest. It was benign, but there was a bleed. Then surgery. Then a second, more serious operation involving a collapsed lung. All while still reeling from the sudden loss of her mum, Pauline, earlier that year.

“It was a lot,” she says, understated. “But I always had the goal: get back to rugby.” Recovery was slow. Small wins. “It felt like injury rehab, just… bigger,” she says. “Week by week, I ticked things off.”

Now, nearly a year later, she’s back with the Scotland squad – not just on the side-lines, but fully in pre-season. “I didn’t get eased in,” she grins. “But I loved it. It felt so good to be suffering with my teammates again.”

Wassell’s last cap was at the end of the 2024 Six Nations. At her lowest point, she feared it might be her last. “That Ireland loss stuck with me,” she says. “When I got sick, I thought: was that it? That can’t be it.”

She credits her teammates and her sense of humour – with getting her through. “They made a fuss at the time. Now they’re over it,” she jokes. “‘Your sympathy is up, Wassell!’ They keep me grounded.”

She’s itching to pull the Scotland shirt on again. “That first cap back will mean everything,” she says. “I’ve worked for this every day. I feel lucky, but I’m also ready.”

Her message is clear: no sympathy needed. She’s back. And she’s pushing hard for cap 68.

The post Emma Wassell: “I Knew I’d Play Again” appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

For Barreto, the blow came not just as a professional athlete, but as one still recovering from long-term injury and with no contract lined up for the coming season. He’s not alone in this position.

Shona Campbell, a core member of the GB women’s squad, says the news hit with similar weight.

“Shock, sadness, and just a feeling of disappointment,” she says. “Everyone in the programme has made personal sacrifices to be part of GB7s. Each and every person has fought for the future of the programme – and now, in the new proposed model, we are unsure of our future.”

Last week’s confirmation from GB Sevens and UK Sport that there would be no full-time men’s or women’s sevens teams beyond July has rocked the core of a setup that only recently seemed to be rebuilding.

“A Pop-Up Shop”

The professional programme, launched in 2021 to unify the home nations under a GB banner, aimed to streamline sevens development while boosting international competitiveness. Four years on, players have once again been left scrambling.

“If this is the model moving forward,” Barreto says, “we’re not developing talent, we’re running a pop-up shop.”

His frustration is sharp, not just because of what’s being lost, but because of how it’s being handled. “In a Lions year, no less – we’ve gone from full representation to near radio silence.”

UK Sport’s decision is reportedly funding-driven, with resources being reallocated and sevens now to be managed under a part-time model. But for players, that means not just a shift in structure, it’s a threat to their livelihoods.

Personal Cost, Professional Chaos

“I’ve been pinging between Zoom calls and existential dread,” Barreto admits. “Trying to fix everything but mostly solving nothing.”

Campbell shares a similar reality. “The reality is I’ve just lost my job,” she says. “From the 1st of August, I will no longer be a professional athlete. I’ll need to rejuggle things in order to keep striving to play at the top level – and it’s going to look very different, managing work and playing.”

Without a central contract, Barreto is forced to piece together rehab, funding, and future plans independently. Campbell, too, faces the prospect of balancing elite sport with external employment – a far cry from the stability full-time sport once offered. And what about the talent pipeline?

“Right now, I’m not even sure there will be a sevens stage to aim for,” says Barreto. Campbell adds: “That’s been the hardest part. As a young girl I watched Scotland 7s at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, that inspired me. Inspiring the next generation was one of our core values. Now the pathway isn’t clear. The dream is still alive, but the path might look very different.”

Isolation, Not Unity

One of the most damning consequences, Barreto says, is the effect on squad morale. When asked if it will bring the squad members closer together, he said:

“‘Closer together’ is hard when you’re scattered across the UK and clinging to Zoom calls for clarity,” he explains. The players haven’t seen each other since April, when they left camp under the assumption contracts were being finalised. “Instead, we’ve been blindsided and left to process it alone.”

What Now?

For Barreto, the immediate focus is recovery, but also reinvention. A return to 15s rugby might be on the table, but his commitment to sevens remains.

“I’ll always back this format,” he says. “So, if I’m not on the pitch, I’ll be working out how to keep the game alive for the next kid who dares to dream of sevens.”

Campbell is also weighing her next move. “I’m taking some time to figure everything out,” she says. “If the opportunity arises, I’d definitely transition back to 15s – a chance to challenge myself again.”

But both players are clear: this is more than a career detour, it’s a dismantling of a shared vision.

While Barreto and Campbell’s words are steeped in resilience, they also carry a warning. The collapse of a full-time sevens programme threatens not just a generation of current athletes, but the dreams of those still watching from the side-lines, patiently waiting for their chance to wear the jersey.

The post Left in the Lurch: GB Sevens Athletes Face Uncertain Future appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

The South African-born loosehead, now a Scottish front row, is one of two Edinburgh Rugby players selected for the tour to Australia. The other being close friend and winger Duhan van der Merwe. In total, eight Scots made the prestigious 36-man squad, a significant show for Scotland’s progress on the international stage.

For Schoeman, this is not just a professional milestone, it’s the culmination of a journey filled with hope, grit, and faith.

“It’s an amazing moment,” he said. “For me personally, it is my faith that has carried me through the whole time. Faith and a great wife.

“I always say that my name, Pierre, in French means rock – my wife is my rock, as well as God, and it was a dream that we believed in.”

Born in South Africa, Schoeman moved to Edinburgh in 2018 after time with the Bulls, and later qualified for Scotland through residency, making his debut in 2021 against Tonga, scoring a try. Since then, his relentless work ethic and physical dominance have made him a standout performer for both club and country.

“All the sacrifice, then you get that reward – but this is not the final destination. I have a long road to climb.”

He recalls exactly when the Lions became a realistic target.

“Probably four years ago when it was Duhan’s first time, and Suz’s (Rory Sutherland) – a good friend of mine – as well.

“I just thought ‘go for Scotland but surely this has to be a dream’. If you don’t have a dream, then I don’t think you will give your best every day to get better and just to add any value you can in abundance. 

That dream was inspired long before he pulled on a Scotland jersey, back when he watched the Lions Tour South Africa.

“I have a very fond memory of when they toured South Africa and Ugo Monye scored that great interception try in the third Test. But it had all come down to the second Test when Jacques Fourie scored in the corner and Morne Steyn luckily slotted the kick over.

“The army, the red sea, and the way the Lions stepped up and were not afraid. Fearless Lions – that came to mind.”

It’s not lost on Schoeman how significant this is for those around him too.

“My wife Charissa will definitely go (to Australia), even if she has to sell the caravan in Midlothian,” he joked.

There’s also deep pride in seeing van der Merwe earn his second Lions call-up.

“Very pleased. We have good banter, a great relationship on and off the field… even our wives work together now. We would have been nowhere without our wives in this whole process.

“The intensity, the accuracy, the pressure of getting it right in training… the camaraderie and the personal connections. You’re from four different nations – it doesn’t matter who or what you are, your beliefs, where you come from, you have to be pulling in the same direction.

“It’s a pride of hungry Lions and there’s only one option really.”

As for who he’s excited to link up with?

“Loosehead is a special kind of breed. We’re all weird and different animals. I specially look forward to spending a lot of time with Ellis Genge and Andrew Porter – it will be amazing on and off the pitch.”

The post Pierre Schoeman’s Lionhearted Dream Becomes Reality appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

Born into Rugby

“Rugby’s always been in my life,” Shona says. “My mum and dad ran Montrose Rugby Club, so I basically grew up on the sidelines with my brothers. I first picked up a rugby ball at five years old — it’s always been my first love.”

At the High School of Dundee, Shona played every sport going — hockey, netball, touch rugby and refused to be limited to just one. “I literally played every sport I could. Even when I was told to pick one, I didn’t. That’s definitely helped shape me as a player.”

Finding Focus

It wasn’t until she turned 18 and started university that she fully focused on rugby. “I was still juggling netball, hockey and rugby at that point. But when Covid hit, it made me stop and reflect. That’s when I decided rugby was what I wanted to pursue seriously — and representing Scotland became the goal.”

Post-pandemic, Shona was selected for the Scotland Women’s Six Nations squad, though not yet capped. A missed selection for the World Cup qualifiers felt like a huge blow — but then came a life-changing call.

“I thought it was the end of the world… but then the GB Sevens coach phoned me and asked if I wanted to play in Canada. It was totally unexpected — but the best two weeks ever. That was my first real experience of international Sevens.”

Now: A Full-Time Rugby Career

From that moment on, her Sevens journey accelerated. Shona played in the Commonwealth Games, returned to the Scotland 15s squad for the World Cup build- up, and eventually signed her first full-time contract with GB Sevens.

“I’m so lucky to call rugby my full-time job,” she says. “But it’s never been about that. I’ve never gotten bored of it — it’s the people, the travel, the community. I’ve made my best friends through rugby.”

Setbacks and Comebacks

Shona’s path hasn’t been without setbacks — from missing out on the Paris Olympics to two collarbone breaks. But she’s built a mental resilience that keeps her grounded.

“I have a saying: trust the timing. You never understand why something doesn’t work out in the moment, but it always leads to something else. I’ve had so many setbacks — and I’m still having them. But I’ve learned to ride the rollercoaster.”

This season, for her, has been about rediscovering joy and rebuilding form. “After my injury and missing Olympic selection, it was tough. But this year’s been about rebuilding that love for rugby again.”

Looking Ahead: LA and Beyond

GB Sevens recently placed 8th overall at the HSBC SVNS Series, securing their place in the World Series for next season — a major milestone for both the men’s and women’s teams. Next up: a one-off, winner-takes-all tournament in Los Angeles, with the top eight teams battling for glory.

“This season we’ve been really inconsistent in our performances,” Shona admits.

“So, for LA, the main goal is consistency — to go out and put on a performance we know we’re capable of.”

Beyond LA, she’s excited about the direction of the women’s game. “We’re in a great place right now — players can play in different formats and countries. For me, it’s about saying yes to opportunities and enjoying the journey.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

As passionate as she is about her own career, Shona is equally driven to see the next generation of girls pick up a rugby ball.

“I truly believe sport has the power to change your life,” she says. “There’s a place for everyone in rugby, no matter what level you’re playing at.”

Her message to young girls dreaming of representing their country? 

“Dream big, work hard, and enjoy the journey. You have to believe in yourself first. There’s so much you can’t control, but how hard you work is always in your control — and that will set you apart. But above all, don’t ever lose the love for it.”

The post GB 7s player Shona Campbell’s Unstoppable Rugby Journey appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

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.

The post Adelle Ferrie – The Journey from University Rugby to the Scotland Squad appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

I was very lucky in my career I didn’t have many head injuries, of the two or three that I had I think I was treated pretty fairly. I was removed and given time to recuperate and I certainly don’t think anyone put me on the pitch or compromised me by putting me back on the pitch too early.

How has your awareness of concussion symptoms changed over the course of your career?

Well growing up it was something we tried to avoid talking about. But now being involved in teaching and coaching rather than playing, we can see it pretty quickly and we know pretty well how to treat it and get them safely off the pitch and back to play in due time.

Do you think current governing bodies are doing enough to protect players from head injuries?

I do think the governing bodies are doing enough to protect players. There is only so much you can do, it is a contact sport but like I said the awareness is out there and it’s all over the place it’s all but recognising removing and treating them properly and making sure no one’s getting that secondary concussion. The information is really readily available especially if you’re involved in the SRU and if you’ve done any coaching courses it’s one of the main parts of what they’re talking about.

Do you think the growing awareness of head injuries will change the way rugby is played in the future?

I think it’s already doing that so we’ve got new laws coming in, around the tackle height and severe punishments for crossing the line with those things. It is changing the way the game is played but like I said before, there’s only so much we can do. It is a contact sport. These things are going to happen . We just have to make sure that they are as safe as possible but we’re never going to remove that risk unfortunately.

The post Andrew Turnbull shares thoughts on head injuries appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

During your career what was your personal experience with head injuries?

I had numerous and various head injuries. On occasion I was back the week later and passed all the tests. On two occasions in particular including my last year at Wasps, I was out for over six months with one and that ultimately led to my decision to step away from the game.

How has your awareness of concussion symptoms changed over the course of your career?

I think everyone is much more aware of the types of things they are looking for and how to diagnose. I think we were well educated through my time and I was aware of what the symptoms were. Hence why it took me so long to get back occasionally because I was very aware of what my brain should have been doing or should not have been doing.

Do you think current governing bodies are doing enough to protect players from head injuries?

Urmm… how do you protect them from a game that ultimately has head injuries? I think we are trying… with a few ideas like tackle height but I think there is still a lot more to be done. I think there’s too much stigma against head gear. I’ve seen stuff come and go because it’s deemed to be too hard and it’s not quite right. But actually it’s softer than hitting someone else’s head. So why wouldn’t it be a go? So there’s probably more work to be done but the awareness is the first step and they’re working hard in that sphere.

Do you think the growing awareness of head injuries will change the way rugby is played in the future?

Yes it is currently, we are seeing numbers of head injuries drop massively. A big issue, and we see it with football when heading the ball. We’re treating our kids as though they are professional rugby players, and we don’t know enough yet about the volume of incidents just in daily life. I saw something recently that said a burpee is the same as a micro concussion, so actually we can’t not damage our brain, it’s just about different levels.

The post Scotland Rugby Veteran on Toll of Head Injuries appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.

During your career what was your personal experience with head injuries?

So I had quite a few times where I would’ve said I had concussive symptoms and probably
played it down. Get the physio on, get the smelling salts and try and continue. I probably had
three or four definite concussions where I had extended periods of time out. The worst one
was probably Scotland versus Fiji a long time ago back in 2002 where I was off for probably
about six weeks or so. So yes I have quite a lot of personal experience with head injuries.

How has your awareness of concussion symptoms changed over the course of your career?

So I’ve obviously been retired for a long time. My awareness of the symptoms did improve, I
finished my career in France where at that point they were much further behind compared to
the UK. I played most of my club rugby in Manchester with Sale and there was baseline
testing. There was none of that at all in France. I don’t actually know where they are with
their testing currently in the Top 14, but through the national program with Scotland and
James Robson they were good.

Do you think current governing bodies are doing enough to protect players from head injuries?

I think now it is considerably better, although there is a worry that they can return within a
week. When I was playing it was 21 days. I’m clearly not a qualified medical person, but I
think that it is so much better to have a mandatory step down period rather than being
tested. The good thing is that there is testing going on to determine whether somebody is
able to come back within a shorter time frame. So I think it has improved.

Do you think the growing awareness of head injuries will change the way rugby is played in the future?

I think it makes everyone more aware, for those of us working in the education sector and
dealing with young people. I’m certainly aware of “having doubts sit them out”, and making
sure we look after players. I think parents are much more aware of it with the increased
exposure with the signage. We see many more kids who are not as keen to take part. Some
of it comes through the parents, some of it comes through there being a history of dementia
in their families and as a result they don’t want people to take part.

The post Jason White Tackles Rugby’s Head Trauma Crisis appeared first on SCRUM Magazine.