Current student Rory reflects on his time at Rugby School and representing Scotland U19s

From playing cricket in the garden with his father to competing on the international stage for Scotland U19s, Rory has combined academic commitment with sporting excellence throughout his time at Rugby School. He reflects on his cricketing journey, the support he has received at School and his ambitions for the future.

Where did your love of cricket come from/how did you begin playing?

My initial love for cricket came through watching my dad mostly; I used to go down to my local cricket club and watch him play on the weekends. That’s where my passion for the sport grew initially. As my love progressed, my dad kindly invested in a bowling machine for me, which we set up on the garden patio. Every day after school I would come back and, still dressed in my uniform, practice until it got dark.

You play for Scotland International and recently competed in the U19 World Cup – huge congratulations. How did that experience feel, and what does it mean to represent Scotland?

Thank you very much. I’ve had the privilege of being involved in two Under-19 World Cup cycles, in 2024 and earlier this year. As a result, entering the most recent competition, I felt my prior experience placed me in a strong position, enabling me to fully embrace and make the most of the opportunity. On this recent occasion, I found myself more composed and focused on embracing the experience as fully as possible, irrespective of outcomes. I had also learned to place less pressure on myself, which allowed me to approach the competition with greater clarity and enjoyment. It’s a great honour to play for my country and represent Scotland. Being on the international stage has always been an aspiration of mine, and I have been committed to progressing through the pathway system to achieve that goal. So, through having the opportunity to compete at the World Cup was an especially memorable and surreal experience – one that I take great pride in and for which I am deeply grateful.

What advice would you give to students who would like to pursue cricket?

It may sound somewhat cliché, but just to keep working hard. There are times when the process can feel demanding and stationary, but with persistence and determination, success will undoubtedly follow. I believe it’s also essential to develop an acceptance of failure. Cricket is a sport in which setbacks are inevitable and regularly more frequent than successes. Through learning to take on both the highs and the lows with equal fervour, and understanding your own personal coping mechanisms when things don’t necessarily go to plan will ultimately better equip you to navigate these challenging experiences and position yourself strongly for the future – whether sporting or not.

Are there any staff who have contributed to your journey, and how has Rugby School supported you?

Over the past five years, the School has provided me with an exceptional amount of support. They have played a key role in helping me manage my commitments effectively, enabling me to maintain a strong balance between my academic studies, cricket, and the other opportunities the school offers. I would like to express particular thanks to Mr Powell, who has been an outstanding mentor throughout my time here. He has supported my development on the field as a player and also as a person, and his knowledge of the game is truly unparalleled. I am forever grateful for the considerable time, effort, and personal sacrifice that he has invested in my development.

How do you balance school work with your cricket?

It’s been something I have certainly had to learn over my time at the school. I found it quite challenging initially, to be completely honest, but I think as I have matured and become more comfortable seeking support when needed – whether that be requesting extensions or completing additional work when I have been away – I have been able to manage it more effectively. I also take considerable pride in my academics, so maintaining a balance has always been really important for me. Ultimately, I believe it comes down to being proactive and staying on top of commitments early – though it is easier said than done!

Which club do you play for outside of school?

I play for the Grange Cricket Club when I am back home in Scotland; however, over the past couple of years my parents have kindly rented a house in Warwickshire during the summer holidays, which has enabled me to play for both Country and Leamington Cricket Club. This has required significant sacrifice from my family, both logistically and financially, and I am extremely grateful to them for providing me with this opportunity and their ongoing support.

What is the future goal and plans after your time at Rugby? 

In September I will be travelling to Australia for six months to play club cricket in Melbourne. The following year, I intend to study Business Management at Durham University, alongside representing the university through UCCE cricket. My long-term ambition remains unchanged, as I continue to aspire to play cricket for the Scotland Men’s Team. It would be particularly special to represent Scotland alongside Rugbeian and former School Field pupil Finlay McCreath, with whom I’ve played club cricket with and have got to know well over recent years.