Rugby star’s degree was an eight year journey

SCOTLAND rugby international Alex Allan has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BSc honours degree in Quantity Surveying. The Glasgow Warriors prop forward completed his eight-year academic journey at a ceremony in the Usher Hall yesterday after juggling his studies with rugby commitments and an injury-enforced break.

“It feels fantastic to finally get there,” said Alex, 26, who did his first two years at Loughborough University, before moving north to Edinburgh Napier when he was offered a contract with Edinburgh Rugby.

“It has been difficult at times to balance rugby and uni, but both Glasgow Warriors – who I signed a professional contract with in 2014 – and the university have been flexible where possible.

“I have had to delay exams for summer tours, and I also had to defer another year – two years ago – due to a concussion which meant I struggled to look at computer screens. A combination of this and studying part-time has meant that every year I have been in a different year group, so I have seen my fair share of classmates come and go. However, the academic staff have been great in giving me the support I needed to complete the course.

“I have massively enjoyed my time at Edinburgh Napier and I am confident it has given me the grounding to be successful in the construction industry when my playing career comes to an end.”

Harrogate-born Alex qualifies to play for Scotland through his grandfather and he successfully moved through the age grades from under-17 to the senior national team. He won the first of his four Scotland caps in a 2014 win against the USA in Texas, and has played more than 70 times for Glasgow Warriors.

Mike Thomson, BSc honours Quantity Surveying programme leader, said: “Alex showed a level of commitment to the programme that allowed us to provide a flexible learning approach which enabled him to continue with his training regime and his playing career at both club and international level.

“We ensured he was able to maintain his focus on his university work even though he was travelling and playing all over the country. I hope that in the future we can give more students like Alex the chance to embark on a second career when their playing days come to an end.”