U20 Scotland flyhalf to join Gamecocks

Andrew McLean, a student at the University of Edinburgh who has represented Scotland at the U18 and U20 levels, will join the University of South Carolina team for the 2026–27 academic year.

McLean, a 21-year-old flyhalf, has played in the Scottish Premiership (the highest amateur league in Scotland) and is a member of the Watsonians Rugby Football Club. He will study business during his exchange year at the university.

McLean was the starting No. 10 and primary goal kicker for Scotland in the 2024 Six Nations Under 20 Championship.

“I am very excited to travel abroad and study at the University of South Carolina,” he said. “Rugby is a huge part of my life, and I look forward to playing for the Gamecocks and connecting with their players. I have heard great things about the program.”

McLean will anchor the USC backline, which also includes NCR All-American fullback Charlie Dwyer.

“Andrew will be a difference-maker for our program,” said USC Head Rugby Coach John Roberts. “It’s a rare opportunity to coach an international talent. We have hosted Scottish exchange students in the past, and they have all had a great experience and remain connected to their Gamecock teammates.”

Last weekend, South Carolina was a D1AA finalist in the 7s Collegiate Rugby Championship Tournament, establishing themselves as a national elite 7s club team. The Gamecocks also field a very competitive 15s squad in the powerful Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) but have not advanced to the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) national playoffs in two years.

“Traditionally, we have lacked the depth and size in our forwards, and that hurts us late in games,” said Roberts. “We hope Andrew’s presence here will bring more attention to our program, rugby scholarships and enhance recruiting for high school and graduate students.”

View McLean’s Highlight Video