Before they depart, the pair will once again pull on the national jersey to face Wales in Grangemouth this weekend, a fitting end to their time at school.
Max, from Edinburgh, will join American International College (AIC) in Massachusetts this autumn, where he’ll study Sports & Recreational Management and compete in the Liberty Conference, playing against top US college teams including Ivy League sides.
“I honestly don’t think I’d have had these incredible opportunities without Strathallan,” he reflects. “Playing at Murrayfield, touring South Africa, the mindset I’ve developed here – it’s all been instrumental in helping me be seen and succeed on a global stage.”
Jack, from Dunfermline, will head to the University of Arizona in Tucson to study Business Management while playing for the Wildcats. A powerful front-rower, Jack’s recent debut in Rugby League was a nod to his family’s sporting roots.
“My dad played Rugby League, so it meant a lot to experience the game he loved,” said Jack. “When I visited Arizona, I knew it was the right fit—it’s an amazing place to study and play rugby.”
For Jack, the decision to head west was sealed during his visit to Arizona. “It’s just an amazing place, world-renowned,” he enthuses. “I’ll be studying, playing D1 rugby, and soaking in the heat. I simply can’t wait to get started.”
Although they’ll be on opposite coasts, both players could cross paths again in the competitive US college rugby system. “We’ll be playing in different time zones, but who knows – I reckon we’ll meet again down the line,” Jack joked.
"Max and Jack's ability to seamlessly switch between Rugby League and Union speaks volumes about their talent and the strong foundation they've built here with the 1st XV," said Andrew Henderson, Director of Strathallan Rugby Academy. "They're both heading to America with immense potential, and we eagerly anticipate watching them flourish not just as players, but as individuals on this exciting new journey."
Both scholarships were arranged through Elite Rugby Scholars, the world’s first US College Rugby consultancy service.
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