The RGC community is proud of the achievement of recent leaver Ross Birnie, Class of ‘23 following his selection for the Scotland Sevens team that won Gold at the Youth Commonwealth Games Trinbago 2023 Rugby Sevens that took place during the summer. This is the first time a Scotland Team has won a team rugby event at any Commonwealth or Youth Commonwealth Games.

An integral part of the squad effort, Ross scored the winning try in extra time to clinch the Gold Medal over Fiji in what was an extremely determined performance from the young Scotland Team. The game itself was an extremely close fought match with the scores even at 10-10 at half time and 20-20 at full time which led to extra time under the Golden Point Rule and Ross stepping up to score and win it for Scotland.

Mr Mckay, Teacher in charge of Rugby said: “Ross has been an extremely committed rugby player during his time at Robert Gordon’s.  He is a player who has always been highly motivated, putting in extra training to be the best he could be.”

During his final year at school, Ross made the decision to play adult rugby with Gordonian RFC in order to put himself in the best position to achieve Scotland Age Grade Honours and his sports coaches  have been delighted to support him with this. 

Team Manager at Gordonian RFC, Bevis Reid was equally delighted at Ross’ recent success and shared: “Gordonian RFC were delighted to guide Ross through his first year of men’s rugby. The environment was suited well to allow his rugby abilities to not only progress but flourish. He ended up being an integral member of the 1st XV squad, finishing top try scorer in a season where we won National 3. Everyone at the club was delighted to see his success at the Youth Commonwealth Games and wish him all the best for the future.”

Ross has been an excellent role model to younger players and managed a busy schedule of  schoolwork, rugby at Gordonians RFC, the Scottish Rugby Regional Academy Sessions and  still found time to help the school 1st XV and younger teams week on week.”

Mr McLeod, RGC’s Director of Sport commented: “This is a brilliant moment for Ross. He has worked extremely hard to achieve this important milestone and we hope this inspires the next generation of rugby players here at the College. We are looking forward to seeing how Ross’s career progresses from here as he moves to Edinburgh to study Physical Education and play for Heriots Rugby.”