Rudi began his rugby journey at the age of eight in the Melrose youth system, where he played alongside his school team at St. Mary’s School.

When he turned 12, the back-row moved to Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, where he would play for the school during term time and return to Melrose RFC during his holidays. He said, “To begin with it’s always quite difficult to learn a new system. Then again, I’ve been changing about quite a bit since I was young, so I’ve been quite good at adapting quite fast”.

During his time at Merchiston Castle, the talented back-row was high on everyone’s list. Not only did he get selected for the Borders Regional side, but also had his first taste of playing for his national team with the Scotland U16.

Rudi left school at the age of 17 and was quickly snatched up by the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy and aligned with Edinburgh Rugby. As well as training in the pro-environment, he joined and played five games for Tennent’s Premiership side Hawick RFC.

During his shift at the borders club, Rudi’s hard work paid off as he was selected to be part of the Scotland U20 squad.

“It’s a time of the year that I’m really looking forward to… I can’t wait to get involved.

“You always get a great sense of pride when you put on that jersey and represent your country.”

Making the jump from club to professional level would be a task for any young player, but Rudi knew he was capable. He said, “It’s all I’ve always wanted so it was quite easy going in every day and doing what you love. It’s obviously tough on the body but I love it.”

It was on the back of his Scotland U20 experience that Rudi then joined his current FOSROC Super6 club Southern Knights. He said, “I always said that if I was to get the choice I would play for the Southern Knights and then I was just lucky enough to have been sent there.”

Rudi has appeared 11 times for the Borders outfit, over both the 2022 FOSROC Super6 Sprint Series at the start of the year and the 2022 FOSROC Super6 Championship (which enters its tenth and final round of regular games this weekend).  He even went on to win FOSROC Super6 Player of the Match in Southern Knights’ Round 6 clash against Heriot’s Rugby.

“[Super6] is closer to the pro [level], whereas before you’d have to play well at amateur and be chucked into the pro-environment. But now, you’ve got that in between, so for younger players it’s brilliant.

“I’m getting games at a high level and it’s a good platform to show what I can do.”

With the 2022 FOSROC Super6 Championship edging ever closer to its final, Rudi’s sights are set even higher, despite his already very commendable journey.

“Hopefully I’ll play in under 20s and I’m hoping to play well. I’ll then hopefully find my way into the Edinburgh squad and play for them.

“Then, I think it’s everyone’s dream to hopefully play for their country – that’s the goal.”