Welcome to our team of inspiring ambassadors! They're not just athletes; they're champions of change. Our ambassadors play a crucial role in our mission to empower young people using rugby, personal development sessions, and one-to-one mentoring. From seasoned players to rising stars, each ambassador brings a unique perspective and a shared dedication to helping SOHK's young people thrive.
Hollie Davidson began playing competitive rugby when she was 14, playing at scrum-half for Murrayfield Wanderers. In 2015 Davidson joined the SRU's refereeing course becoming the Scottish Rugby Union’s first full time professional women's referee in 2017. Hollie made history in 2022 when she became the first female to officiate a men’s Six Nations team in a test match when Portugal took on Italy. Read more
"As a professional athlete, I understand the importance of the work School of Hard Knocks does in shaping the lives of young people and helping their development. Having played rugby throughout my childhood and to a decent level at university, I can appreciate the core skills it teaches you and I would encourage everyone to get involved. I'm delighted to be associated with School of Hard Knocks and I look forward to supporting them as an ambassador" Read more
Fraser Brown is a Scotland international rugby union player who has represented his country at many levels. He has been capped 61 times by Scotland and played at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups scoring five international tries. Fraser made 141 appearances for Glasgow, the last of which was the 2023 European Challenge Cup final. Read more
Richie Vernon is a former Scotland international rugby union player known for his versatility on the field. He began his rugby career with Dundee HSFP and later played for various clubs including Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, and London Scottish. Richie also represented Scotland in Rugby Sevens from 2005 to 2008 before earning his first cap for the national team in 2009. Throughout his career, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability, retiring from the professional game in 2019. Read more
Hailing from Edinburgh, Rachel McLachlan is a rising star in Scottish rugby. Remarkably, within nine months of picking up rugby, she was invited to join the national team. Rachel made her debut in the 7s format against Poland and Russia after only a brief stint playing rugby at Glasgow Caledonian University. In the 2021 Women's Six Nations Championship, Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm spoke highly of McLachlan, saying, 'she gives it absolutely everything'. Read more
"I'm delighted to be a part of School of Hard Knocks as an ambassador, bringing together my lifelong love for rugby and a commitment to transforming young lives. The rugby pitch has been my second home, and now, through this partnership, we have the chance to make it a home for young people facing complex challenges.” Read more
Nick De Luca is a Scottish former professional rugby union player. Hailing from Dumfries, Nick made significant contributions during his club career, notably with Edinburgh and Border Reivers. His standout moments include memorable tries against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup and a remarkable performance in a dramatic win against Ospreys. Nick's dynamic play and versatility have left a lasting impact on Scottish rugby. Read more
“School of Hard Knocks’ commitment to using sport to inspire and uplift young people aligns perfectly with my own values. I have seen how rugby can teach resilience, teamwork, and discipline - skills that are invaluable both on and off the field. I am excited to support SOHK in making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.” Read more
As a professional rugby player with Scotland Women 15s and Great Britain 7s, Rhona Lloyd has a deep commitment to using rugby as a catalyst for positive change. Before the women's game turned professional, Rhona was studying at the University of Edinburgh while working as a facilitator and rugby coach with School of Hard Knocks. This experience gave her firsthand insight into the profound impact of rugby on people's wellbeing and future prospects. Read more
Helen Nelson is a Scottish rugby union player and the current vice-captain of the national team. She represents PWR side Loughborough Lightning at the club level. With 53 caps for Scotland, Helen led the team to victory as captain in the 2021 Women’s Six Nations match against Wales. She also captained the Scotland Rugby Union Sevens team from 2018 to 2022. Read more