MERCHISTON RUGBY IMMERSION PROGRAMME
Rugby & Boarding School Immersion
For boys aged 11–17
Experience Merchiston
We are offering boys the opportunity to spend one or two Terms at Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’ s only all-boys independent boarding school.
Set on a beautiful 100-acre campus just minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, Merchiston offers an inspiring setting where boys can learn, experience high-level rugby and forge lasting friendships.
With a long tradition of welcoming international students, the school provides a caring and inclusive community where every boy is supported to develop his confidence, independence and sense of adventure.
Academic and Boarding Life at Merchiston
Life at Merchiston is purposeful, busy and full of opportunity. Academic excellence is built into every part of school life, with small classes, passionate teachers and a culture that encourages boys to think ambitiously and work hard.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom, with boarders developing independence, leadership and resilience through shared experiences and daily routines.
Modern boarding houses offer space and comfort, while dedicated pastoral teams ensure every boy feels known, valued and supported.
Set within a safe and vibrant community, boys quickly feel at home and are able to balance study, sport and social life in a way that nurtures both character and curiosity.
Rugby at Merchiston
Rugby beats at the centre of life at Merchiston. It is a tradition shaped over generations, carried today by an extraordinary legacy with 20 former pupils currently playing the professional game, and an astonishing 8% of all Scottish internationals hailing from our small corner of Edinburgh.
But the true measure of Merchiston rugby is not counted in caps or contracts. It is found in the culture: open-armed, spirited, and unmistakably ours. Here, every boy is known, encouraged, and challenged. Rugby isn’t a bolt-on activity; it is woven into the rhythm of school life, helping pupils build confidence, discover resilience, and feel the lift that sport brings to wellbeing and academic focus. At Merchiston, rugby is more than a game. It is a shared journey that shapes character, creates belonging, and ignites ambition, where every player, from the first-time tackler to the future professional, has a place and a purpose.
Experience Merchiston
Training and Development
At Merchiston, rugby is all about balance and peak performance. Every boy enjoys at least four rugby sessions a week, complemented by two strength and conditioning sessions and targeted analysis work. The programme mirrors a professional setup while staying flexible around academic life, so every pupil can grow on and off the field.
Rugby at Merchiston
A Philosophy of Passion and Belonging
Rugby at Merchiston is more than a sport. It is a shared identity. Every player is encouraged to express themselves, build confidence, and enjoy the journey of improvement. Our philosophy champions creativity, courage, and character. Whether a boy is stepping onto the 1st XV pitch or holding a rugby ball for the first time, he becomes part of something bigger. The culture is inclusive, passionate, and proud. It fosters a lifelong love of the game.
This ethos has driven Merchiston to remarkable success. The school has won eight U18 Scottish Schools Cups which is more than any other school in Scotland.
Expert Coaching & Leadership
Roddy Deans, Director of Rugby
Roddy joined Merchiston in 2014 and has since led the school to five U18 Cup Finals, winning three, and two U16 Cup Finals, winning both. He is a Level 3 coach with a wealth of experience in Scottish rugby, including roles at Hawick RFC, Heriot’ s RC and within the Scottish Rugby Union’ s talent pathway. His experience includes working as Scotland U16 Head Coach, Scotland U18 Assistant Coach and Edinburgh Rugby Pathway Coach.
Expert Coaching & Leadership
Nick De Luca, Director of Sport
Nick brings 12 years of professional playing experience, earning 43 Scotland caps and competing in the 2011 World Cup and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Since retiring, he has moved into education as Director of Sport, focusing on talent development, wellbeing and performance coaching.
His background combines elite sport with expertise in mental health, mindfulness and leadership, giving him a unique perspective on education and high performance.
Rugby Programme Sample Timetable
Jamie Dobie (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors):
“The whole environment at school was as close to professional rugby as you can get. The coaching, S&C and support made the transition to pro rugby feel natural.”
Programme Fees
Rugby Immersion Programme
£16,902 per Term.
Fees include
VAT, meals, accommodation, tuition, laundry.
Collection from Edinburgh Airport is available provided the student arrives on designated travel days.
Application Process
Meeting with the Director of Admissions.
Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, Scotland
Accommodation
Modern boarding facilities on a 100-acre campus. Rooms are a mix of dormitories and smaller rooms depending on the age of the student.
Enquiries
immersion@merchiston.co.uk
Website
www.merchiston.co.uk/admissions/shortstay-and-immersion-programmes
