Scottish Rugby Union
Exiles Programme Information

How does the programme work?
The programme splits into different facets that are complimentary but can also be distinct depending on individual needs and situations.

How do I play for Scotland?
The Pathway is the programme for players to progress to the International game with Scotland. It also allows players to challenge themselves by playing representative rugby at a high level (see A for further information below).

How do I develop my skills and game play?
The Player Development programme aims to provide small group and individual coaching with feedback to players (see B for further information below)

What if I already play in other Rugby programmes (School/ Club/ County / Division/ RFU Academy etc)?
All of the players involved in the programme are involved in other rugby activity. By having an individual focus the initiative aims to allow players to fulfill their potential without missing any key opportunities or being over played (see C for further information below).

A. The Pathway
The Exiles is one of five “Divisional” structures that individually organise Pathway programmes, from which the Scotland teams are selected.  The Scottish Exiles strand of the Pathway is designed for players qualified for Scotland who live elsewhere in the UK or abroad ie.” in Exile”.

Pathway Representative Programme
The Scottish Exiles Representative element of the programme works as follows:

1. Regional Development Group
       Players attend Regional Development Group sessions at venues across the country.

2. Representative Selection
Teams will be selected to play games for an age group. 

      3.    Scotland International Selection
The representative games will be watched by international selectors and the    successful players may be selected to represent Scotland.

B. Player Development Programme
The Player Development programme works as follows to support individual progression:

1. Regional Development Group (RDG)
This meets 4 times per season and provides training and development information for players.

The RDGs take place in the following areas and venues (unless stated):
North East (Blaydon RFC)      North West (Sandbach RFC)                      West Midlands (Worcester RFC)  East Midlands (Nottingham RFC)
Eastern Counties (Shelford RFC)  Yorkshire (Wetherby RFC)
South East (London Scottish FC) South West (St. Mary’s Old Boys, Bristol)

2. Age Group Development (AG)
Opportunities are provided for identified players to receive further coaching in Scottish national themes and game play.

3. Performance Group (PG)
This is designed for the players who have the potential to or have played for Scotland. The PG is an “outreach” of the full Scotland National academy and is an essential part of the development programme of potential international players.

C. Individual Focus
Many, if not all, players identified with the potential to progress to either Age group level or beyond to Scotland international selection, will be involved in other Rugby programmes. This will be with a club, a college or a school or maybe a combination.

Not a club!
The Scottish Rugby Union Exiles programme is not a club or purely a representative pathway. It is an initiative designed to allow individuals to progress to the highest levels of Scottish Rugby taking into account their individual situations. Which one is closest to your situation? 

Are you 15-18 years old?
Players who probably play at school or at a club and may be involved in lower level Academy programmes (e.g. CB school of Rugby/ EPDG), will be required to play regional or divisional level games for the Exiles to assist their development and to allow Scotland selectors to see them in action. This is similar to the County and divisional system that operates in England. Players in this category are generally between 15-18 years old.

Are you 17-19 years old?
Players who are playing a high level of school (e.g. top end of Daily Mail competition/ AASE) or club rugby (e.g. National leagues) and are heavily involved in Academy programmes (e.g. RFU/ Premiership Academy) may be required to play divisional level games for the Exiles in order for Scotland selectors to see them in action. These players may participate in some of the Exiles development activities in order to understand the game play and progress their skills in the areas that are emphasized by the International Scottish teams. This process involves liaison between school, club academy and the individual to develop a suitable training and playing programme. Players in this category are generally 17-19 years old.

Are you 19+? 
Players who are playing in the Senior adult leagues and/ or are heavily involved in Academy programmes (e.g. RFU/ Premiership Academy)are unlikely to play or be involved in Exiles activity. Scottish Rugby Union Performance staff will liaise with the club and individual to assist in highlighting the player to Scotland U20 or “7s” selectors. Players in this category are generally aged 19 years and above.

How to find out more?
The best point to start is to contact the Scottish Rugby Union Performance Manager responsible for the Exiles programme and discuss your individual situation. This will allow you to access the programme at a point that suits your needs and situation.

Please contact:
Rob Brierley
Scottish Rugby Union Performance Manager
Telephone: 07764178902
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Scottish Rugby Union
Murrayfield Stadium
Edinburgh
EH12 5PJ