Inaugural Bill McLaren Foundation Bursary recipients announced
2025/26 Bursary Recipients:
Adam McKenzie (Watsonians) – Scrum-half
Daniel Shellard (GHA RFC) – Second Row
Ellie Williamson (Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County) – Second Row
Faye Sutherland (Edinburgh Rugby/Heriot’s Rugby) – Front Row
Gemma Thomson (Glasgow Warriors/Stirling County) – Back Row
Harry Jackaman (Watsonians) – Back Row
Millie Warren (Glasgow Warriors/Hillhead Jordanhill) – Centre
Max Morrison (Lenzie Academy/Glasgow Hawks) – Tighthead Prop
Nicole Marlow (Edinburgh Rugby) – Full-back
Toby Overson (Hawick) – Second Row
“One of the three main objectives of the Bill McLaren Foundation is to ‘encourage and provide sporting opportunities for young people’ and hopefully this bursary will help these young rugby players realise their potential. We are delighted to provide this support and look forward to following their progress.”
The Bill McLaren Foundation is proud to announce the first recipients of the Bill McLaren Foundation Bursary, in partnership with Scottish Rugby. Ten young players - five male and five female - have been awarded a share of £30,000 to support their development during the 2025/26 season. Each athlete is part of Scottish Rugby’s existing pathway structure, and the bursary will help them balance the demands of training, study, work and life while dedicating more time to play rugby.
Kenny Murray, National Talent Pathway Lead, said, “We are excited that, with the financial support from The Bill McLaren Foundation Bursary scheme, those selected to receive funding will have the ability to focus even more of their attention on rugby and progress accordingly.” Gemma Fay, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women and Girls’ Strategy, added, “The number of applications to this first iteration of The Bill McLaren Foundation Bursary was really pleasing and it was a tough process to select the eventual recipients. Thanks to all who applied — we encourage you to continue striving to become the players you can be.”
The bursary scheme will run across the 2025/26 season, providing awardees with both financial support and valuable opportunities to grow on and off the pitch, continuing Bill’s legacy of inspiring and celebrating young rugby talent.
