News Release
Former Strathallan pupil makes history with first Scotland cap
A former Strathallan pupil, Zander Fagerson, made history on Saturday as he received his first cap for Scotland against England in the opening round of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations Championships. At 20 years old, Zander is the youngest prop to play for Scotland in half a century and the youngest of any Tier One nation in 25 years.
During his time at Strathallan, Zander worked his way up the age group levels representing Scotland at U16 and U18 as well as U20, for which he is still eligible. Upon leaving Strathallan, Zander joined the Scottish Rugby Elite Development Programme in June 2014 and signed his first contract for the Glasgow Warriors in March 2015, making his debut for Warriors in a 40-23 win at Treviso in October 2014.
This all led to Zander making his Scotland debut at Murrayfield on Saturday, coming on in the 68th minute against England in the Calcutta Cup, watched by over 200 Strathallan pupils who had travelled to Murrayfield to support him.
During his time at Strathallan, Zander was also U15 Downhill Mountain Biking Champion, but it wasn’t long before he made the decision to commit to rugby and, under the watchful eye of Strathallan and Scotland U18 assistant rugby coach Andy Henderson, this has proved to be the right decision.
Andy Henderson, Rugby Coach at Strathallan School, commented:
“Seeing Zander running out on to the pitch at Murrayfield was one of the proudest moments in my coaching career to date. When Zander first came to Strathallan he was a back row player and it soon became very obvious that in order for him to progress to the next level he needed to move to the front row. He was always very strong physically and had great ball carrying and tackling skills which made him a formidable tighthead prop. I never doubted that he would one day play for Scotland though and I was just delighted to play a small part in his development.”
As a Schools Representative for Scottish Rugby, Strathallan Headmaster, Bruce Thompson, was at Murrayfield to see Zander being presented with his first cap. Mr Thompson added:
“It was a privilege to see Zander make his first appearance for Scotland – the youngest prop in a top tier nation in the professional era - and as a member of the Scottish Rugby Council to be able to see him awarded his first cap at the dinner after the game. Zander developed hugely during his time at Strathallan switching to tight head and developing his skills and strength with an excellent work ethic.”
For further information about Strathallan School, visit www.strathallan.co.uk
ENDS
For press enquiries contact Fraser Kirk on 01738 658187 or f.kirk@volpa.co.uk
Notes to Editors
IMAGE DETAILS: Zander Fagerson receiving his first cap, with Ed Crozier, President of Scottish Rugby Union
Please credit Scottish Rugby/SNS