Seven former students from The Scots College were selected in the NSW Waratah’s U20s team that played against Queensland Reds U20s in the curtain raiser to the ‘Tahs opening round of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

Playing in front of a large home crowd, the Waratah’s took an early lead through former Scots boy Jack Maddocks, converting on a penalty. Other Scots boys had big impacts with Ryan McCauley performing well in the lineout, Theo Strang keeping busy at scrum half and Charlie Smith playing strongly off the bench. The entire back three for the Waratahs comprised Scots students Jack Maddocks, Guy Porter and Sam Tabuatamara. The seventh Scots student playing, Max Girdler, made consistently strong runs all game.

There was anticipation leading up to the game, even with the knowledge that Queensland have always been a strong contender. Playing in front of a home crowd, NSW were unlucky not to come away with a win.

The boys played as part of a six-week program, NSW Gen Blue Academy, designed to give young players a valuable opportunity to develop their skills. Even though NSW lost, they developed skills which can potentially see them selected for NSW Waratahs A team.

“It’s great to see former students excel in life after Scots”, said Mr Brian Smith, Director of Rugby at The Scots College. “We run an intensive program here at Scots, and these boys are perfect examples of the determination and courage we aim to instil in every single one of our boys. They have shown that when they commit to a goal, anything is possible.”

During the main event, Scots Old Boy David Horwitz, who graduated in 2012, scored a try on debut for the NSW Waratahs in their 30–10 win over the Reds.

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