Coach Profiles
At Apex Rugby Academy Camps, we believe for our players to fully express themselves and develop, we must provide the best coaches possible to guide the players on their individual journeys. Therefore, all our coaches must not only be able to demonstrate and coach effectively, but they must also be able to create a safe, fun and inclusive learning environment.
Our coaching team features highly experienced and Qualified Rugby Coaches, PE Teachers, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Sports Psychologist (Clients at Tokyo Olympic Games), Ex - Scottish Rugby Performance Analysts who have previously worked for the Scottish Rugby National Team, Edinburgh Rugby & Glasgow Warriors. and players who have played in the BT Premiership, FOSROC Super 6 and represented Caledonia, Glasgow Warriors, Wales & Scotland at various age grades.
Craig McLeod
Founder, Apex Rugby Academy.
Over the last 10 years, Craig has coached at a variety of schools and clubs across Scotland as well gaining invaluable experience with Edinburgh Rugby, Los Angeles Giltinis, San Diego Legion, Chicago Hounds and Rugby New York.
These experiences captured Craig’s imagination to create a learning environment where young rugby players could take their performance to the next level. Craig has previously coached teams including the University of Aberdeen RFC, Aberdeen Grammar Rugby, Deeside Rugby, Stirling County RFC as well being apart of the SRU U15 PDH Caledonia North coaching team.
Craig is currently the Director of Sport at Robert Gordon’s College.
Matt Smith
Skills Coach
Educated at Stirling High School, Matt secured a Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 contract allowing him to play for Glasgow Warriors & his home club Stirling County RFC.
Matt retired from professional rugby in 2020 after 20+ appearances for Glasgow Warriors, and having represented Scotland U16, U18 & U20.
Matt's experience of working in a professional environment is a valuable asset to helping our players improve their performance.
Matt also coaches at Robert Gordon’s College & with Gordonians RFC.
Nat Coe
Rugby Coach
Nat started his rugby down at Strathaven before moving to the University of Edinburgh where he captain the 1st XV in the historic varsity fixture against St Andrew’s at BT Murrayfield.
Nat has previously played for Edinburgh Accies, Aberdeen Grammar & Scotland Club XV during the 2020 6 Nations.
Nat is a qualified PE Teacher in Aberdeen and his currently the Head Coach at Aberdeen Grammar Rugby.
Cameron Scott
Skills Coach
We are delighted to have announce Cameron Scott as one of our dedicated skills coaches
Cameron is a former pupil of George Watsons College now plays his trade with FOSROC Super6 side, Southern Knights. Cameron has previously represented Scotland at U18 & U20.
Kev Wyness
Skills Coach
We are delighted to announce Kev Wyness as one our dedicated ’Skills Coaches’ for our upcoming Aberdeen Summer Rugby Camps
Kev will be taking the forwards through a variety of positional specific skills.
Kev is currently part of the Scottish Rugby Fosroc Academy Caledonia coaching team and a has a fantastic track record for developing some of the countries’ most talented players
Kev’s experience & expertise will ensure all our players’ have the opportunity to take their performance to the next level.
Archie Russell
Skills Coach
We are delighted to announce former Scotland U20 & current Stirling County Super 6 Player Archie Russell as one our dedicated ’Skills Coaches’
Archie’s experience & expertise will ensure all our players’ have the opportunity to take their performance to the next level.
Gregor Brown
Skills Coach
We are delighted to announce Glasgow Warriros player Gregor Brown as one of our dedicated ’Skills Coaches’
A product of Robert Gordon’s College, Gregor Brown joined the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy Stage Three ahead of the 2019/20 season.
The back-rower has represented Scotland at both U18 and U20 level, making his debut for the latter side in the 2020 U20 Six Nations against Ireland.
Murray Anderson
Head Coach & Performance Analyst
Educated at Currie High School, Murray has been actively coaching rugby in some of Scotland's best 'rugby schools' in Fettes College & Edinburgh Academy where he spent a year as a PE Teacher.
Whilst studying Sports Science (1st Class) at the University of Edinburgh, Murray gained invaluable experience as a Performance Analyst with the Scottish Rugby Union between 2014 - 2017. His ability to analyse, identify and communicate effectively will be beneficial for our players.
Murray also holds a UKCC Level 2 Rugby Coaching Qualification, World Rugby Strength & Conditioning Level 1 Qualification & is a PE Teacher in Edinburgh.
Matthew Emmison
Head Coach
Matthew (aka 'Emmo') was first introduced to the game at Ellon Rugby, where his potential was spotted by Aberdeen Grammar. This exposure allowed Matthew to progress through the Caledonia age grades U16-U20.
Matthew has also played for the Caledonia Reds Senior Team, Scotland U19 & was named in the Scotland U20 training squad for the 2016 6 Nations. He also holds a UKCC Level 2 Rugby Coaching & World Rugby Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Qualification.
After short spells with Aberdeenshire RFC & the Crusaders International Academy in Canterbury New Zealand, Matthew played 4 seasons at Stirling County RFC in the BT Premiership & Super 6. Matthew has returned back to Aberdeen to pursue a career in PE Teaching. He currently plays for Aberdeen Grammar.
Calum MacPherson
Head Coach
Educated at Culloden Academy and starting his rugby career at Highland RFC, Calum moved to Stirling to complete his studies as a PE Teacher.
Calum has consistently played at a high level with Falkirk RFC, Stirling County RFC and Caledonia U20 where he had the unique opportunity to play at BT Murrayfield in the regional final.
Alongside his impressive rugby playing credentials, Calum has a UKCC Level 2 Rugby Coaching Qualification and a World Rugby Strength & Conditioning Level 1 Qualification.
Calum's ability to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment is a fantastic asset to our players at camp
Robbie Wales
Rugby Coach
Educated at North Berwick High School, Robbie gained an HNC in Coaching at Edinburgh College before moving to the University of Stirling to study PE Teaching.
Robbie's enthusiasm and desire to create an inclusive learning environment will ensure that every player's individual development needs are met.
Robbie has a UKCC Level 2 Coaching Qualification and has represented East Lothian U16, U18, Stirling University 1stXV & Scotland Rugby League U19.
Sean Thomson
Rugby Coach
Educated at George Heriots School, Sean moved to Glasgow to study Psychology before starting his second degree at the University of Stirling as a PE Teacher.
Sean holds a UKCC Level 2 Coaching, World Rugby Level 1 Strength & Conditioning, Level 3 Personal Trainer and PE Teaching Qualification.
Sean has represented the University of Glasgow 1st XV and captained Penicuik RFC to winning East League 2 during the 2015/16 season
Owen Jarvie
Rugby Coach
Hailing from Saintfield, Northern Ireland, Owen came to Scotland to study Psychology with Sport Studies at the University of Stirling.
Owen was a consistent starter at 13 for the 1stXV that won the BUCS 1A title during the 2017/18 season. In the same season Owen also represented Stirling County 1stXV in the BT Premiership and the Scottish Student Rugby Squad that faced Ireland at Peffermill Playing Fields, Edinburgh.
Alongside his impressive rugby credentials, Owen has a UKCC Level 2 Coaching Qualification and has over 8 years of coaching experience across a variety of age groups.
Patrick Ritchie
Rugby Coach
Patrick tasted success during his schools years alongside Glasgow Warriors player Ross Thompson at BT Murrayfield when Stewart’s Melville College won the U18 Scottish Schools Cup Final.
Patrick currently plays at scrum half for Aberdeen Grammar Rugby 1st XV & the University of Aberdeen 1st XV
Finlay Troup
Rugby Coach
Finlay is one of the best up & coming young rugby players in the North East of Scotland. Educated at Robert Gordon's College, Finlay has developed a reputation within the rugby community for his skill set and incredible ability to dictate his side in attack & defence.
The scrum half's talent has not gone unrecognised having represented Caledonia U16, U17, U18 as well as Scotland at U16. Finlay was named in the Scotland U18 training squad for the 2020 6 Nations, however the campaign was cut short due to COVID-19.
Having trained in an elite environment, Finlay knows exactly what it takes to take performance to the next level. Finlay is particularly looking forward to working with our backs to improve their individual skill set.
Finlay currently studies at Robert Gordon's University.
Alex Fraser
Rugby Coach
Alex was part of the Merchiston Castle side that claimed victory against St Aloysius in the 2018 Schools Cup Final at BT Murrayfield.
Alex's performances at Fly Half also earned him a place in the Edinburgh U18 Squad for the FOSROC Academy Regional Fixtures.
Currently, Alex studies at the University of Aberdeen and plays his rugby with Gordonians RFC in BT National League 2.
Fraser Christie
Rugby Coach
Educated at Hazelhead Academy, Fraser has been actively playing and coaching rugby for several years.
Currently, Fraser is the Head Coach at Aberdeen Wanderers RFC and holds a UKCC Level 2 Rugby Coaching Qualification