Scotland international is new St Andrews Director of Rugby

Scott Lawson has been appointed Director of Rugby at the University of St Andrews after an extensive international career playing for Scotland.

Scott joins the University from Newcastle Falcons, bringing a wealth of experience playing Premiership rugby for over a decade.

He started his rugby career at Biggar RFC, before earning a professional contract at Glasgow Warriors, spending four seasons playing in the Pro12 before a move to the Premiership, spending a season with Sale before moving to Gloucester Rugby for four years.

Scott is a vastly experienced former Scotland international with 47 caps, which include a try-scoring performance in his team’s opening match of the 2007 Rugby World Cup while also appearing in the 2011 tournament.

In addition to his playing commitments with Newcastle Falcons, Scott was Director of Rugby at National Two North Club Tynedale RFC, having previously been an Elite Specialist Skills Coach with Scottish Rugby.

Scott said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Director of Rugby at such a prestigious University.

“The traditions of the past along with the current world class facilities and vision for the future for all sport at St Andrews add to my excitement in leading what is an already successful rugby programme. I can’t wait to get started.”

St Andrews Director of Sport Stephen Stewart said: “To have a world renowned international athlete of Scott Lawson’s calibre wanting to be a part of the sport programme at St Andrews is recognition of where the University is now placed within the sports sector.

“As one of the world’s leading Universities, and top ranked University in Scotland, our ambition is to make a significant impact within international student sport, and provide a platform to enhance further the unique student experience that underpins our world-class teaching and research.

“We very much look forward to welcoming Scott into our team and benefiting from his vast experience from an extensive career in professional and international sport.

“When a world-class sports person meets a world-class institution it can only lead to great things.”

Picture Caption: Scott Lawson (centre) with St Andrews women’s rugby captain Amy Parry and men’s captain Roland Walker

Saints Rugby Performance Programme

The University of St Andrews has developed one of the most advanced rugby programmes in Scotland, which offers student athletes a range of coaching, training and support opportunities, allowing them to excel in both their academic and sporting achievements. The programme caters for all levels of ability, and focuses on an athlete-centred approach, development, hard work and enjoyment.

The rugby programme currently fields four competitive Men’s teams and two Women’s teams that compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championship.

Founded in 1858, the University of St Andrews Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest sports clubs at the University and is the sixth oldest rugby club in the world.

The club is a founder member of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) and has been an integral part of the University for over 160 years.

The club has gone on to produce 23 international rugby players who between them have gained 150 international caps, including four British and Irish Lions and eight players who have represented the Barbarians.

The Women’s Section of the Rugby Club was founded in 1978 and has consistently been in the top two teams in Scotland over the past ten years.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office. Contact Steve Bargeton, Head of News & Public Affairs, Communications Office, on 01334 467310, 07802 376 860 or [email protected] or the Press Office on 01334 462530.