Bill McLaren Foundation Bursary recipients named for 2026/27

Pictured: Scotland's Gemma Thomson in action during a Women's Under-21 Six Nations match between Scotland and Italy at Hive Stadium, on 10 May 2026.

Five male and five female players, all of whom are again part of Scottish Rugby’s pathway structure, will benefit from a pot of £30,000 made available by The Bill McLaren Foundation to assist with the challenges presented to a young player, in order that they can dedicate more of their time on task to the sport.

Once again, female players who are part of the women’s performance pathway and male players who have been identified as part of the National Talent Pathway were among those who will were eligible for the scheme.

After last year’s successful inaugural scheme, during which 10 recipients were given financial assistance to continue their journey in the game, 2026/27 will see another tranche of youngsters given the opportunity to utilise funds as they bid to make their mark.

The 10 players to have been awarded a bursary for 2026/27 are:

Male (5)

Hamish Seggie (Gala RFC, Watsonian FC) – full-back

Finlay Anderson (Preston Lodge RFC, Strathallan School, Edinburgh Accies) – centre

Michael Scarth (Orkney RFC, Glenalmond School, Currie RFC) – loosehead prop

Zak Burgess (Greenock Wanderers, GHA) – loosehead prop

Cammy McGarey (Ayr RFC) – scrum-half

Female (5)

Lucy MacRae (Edinburgh Rugby / Edinburgh University) – centre

Nicole Marlow (Glasgow Warriors / Watsonian FC) – stand-off

Gemma Thomson (Glasgow Warriors / Stirling County) – back row

Ellie Williamson (Edinburgh Rugby / Stirling County) – second row

Alina Prokopenko (Edinburgh Rugby / Heriot’s) – back row

Of the 10 awardees, three players have been named to receive consecutive bursaries from last year, with Nicole Marlow, Ellie Williamson and Gemma Thomson benefitting from a second round of funding, the latter saying: “I was so grateful to The Bill McLaren Foundation for last year’s bursary. It really helped me focus as much time on my rugby as possible and I hope that this year, with another bursary award, I can take my game to the next level.”

Claire Cruikshank, National Academy Manager for the Women’s Programme, said: “After a healthy application process, for which we thank all applicants, The Bill McLaren Foundation have again allowed us to select five players whose rugby journey will benefit from a bursary award.

“All five are National Academy players who have already earned Scotland A appearances this season, and we believe they have a bright future ahead.”

Kenny Murray, National Talent Pathway Lead, added: “A huge thanks to The Bill McLaren Foundation for once more creating these bursaries, which will have a big impact on the players selected as they navigate their rugby careers and try to break through to the next level of our structure.”

Alan Lawson, Managing Director of The Voice of Rugby, the business arm of The Bill McLaren Foundation, said: “As was Bill’s way, our ability to help a younger generation of rugby players is once more a fitting tribute to a man who was so committed to providing people with opportunity. The Foundation is delighted to support another group of aspiring men and women as they continue their journey in the sport.”