Young GHA prospect reflects on Sevens experience in Kenya

Involved in the National Talent Pathway programme, Struan has been playing for GHA this season in the Arnold Clark Premiership on the wing, having previously played for Dundee and Strathmore.

After experiencing disappointments in missing out on Scotland Under-19 squads, White has started the season well and now has his sights set on more appearances in a Scotland jersey for the Sevens and the 20s.

He joined the 13-man Scotland Sevens squad and was on the scoresheet during the weekend’s action, scoring a try.

Struan was part of a squad with a blend of youth and experience including academy players Alex Bryden, Daniel Kelly, Hamish MacArthur, Ben McDonald, Nairn Moncfrieff and National Talent Pathway prospect Murray Waugh.

For more information on the Safari Sevens, click here

How did the call-up come about?

GHA asked me to come and play with them last year and I managed to get a couple of games which has been brilliant. My plan this season was to keep that going and play as much as possible in the Premiership but training with the National Talent Pathway guys has brought me opportunities with Euan Clark, the U19s head coach keeping in contact with me. I then had the chance to train with the Sevens team which was a good experience. After a couple of weeks Ciaran Beattie gave me a call saying I was doing well and I could join them in Kenya. It happened really quickly and it was brilliant.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 02: Struan White during a Scotland Sevens training session at the Oriam, on October 02, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

How did you find the weekend?

It was a massive learning experience, even just training with the squad but going away to Kenya was another level and incredible to be involved in something like that. It was definitely a step up from what I’ve experienced before so I’m hopeful that can help me moving forward.

The more experienced guys were brilliant with me and kept me focused throughout the weekend, giving me pointers here and there.

How has playing with GHA helped you?

They’ve been brilliant and I feel like they just want to see how far I can go, whether that’s with GHA in the Premiership or pushing for Scotland Sevens
We’ve got Heriot’s this weekend which will be a bit different to last weekend, playing in Kenya!

What has been your journey upto now and what’s your future ambitions?

I used to play with Strathmore and Dundee when I was younger and I was in the mix for the Scotland U19s squad that went to Italy but I missed out on that.
I’ve always been in the Caledonia region and the guys at Scottish Rugby have been keeping an eye on out on my progress so to get opportunities like the Sevens has been brilliant. Next steps for me would be other opportunities with Scotland Sevens or playing for the Scotland U20s in the Six Nations next year.

National Talent Pathway Lead Kenny Murray said: “Struan is a great example of a wider group player training within the National Talent Pathway programme.

“He’s been a stand out player for GHA this year and has really benefited from exposure at club level. Playing every week in the premiership and training with the NTP has prepared him well for Scotland Sevens and will enhance his chances to break into the Scotland U20s squad for the Six Nations.

“It’s great to see the Sevens programme offer opportunities to these players who will benefit from being involved in that programme.”