Jamie McAughtrie’s transition from youth to senior rugby has been impressive. From training with the Ayrshire Bulls to gaining senior experience with Glasgow Accies, Jamie is now making his mark at the top of Scottish club rugby. Mark Carrick caught up with him to talk about his development, training with the Bulls, this season’s partnership with Glasgow Accies, and the unforgettable moment of scoring in his Arnold Clark Premiership debut.
In his first year with Ayr U18s, Jamie was given the opportunity to train with the Ayrshire Bulls, an experience that would prove pivotal in his development.
Jamie was involved in the Glasgow and the West regional programme at U16 and U17 level but was dropped when the programme moved to U18s as he was deemed too small for the back row. Despite the setback, Jamie found support from key figures at the club, particularly Robbie Fergusson and Frazier Climo.
“When I was dropped, I messaged Frazier, and he invited me back into training with the Ayrshire Bulls—which was a massive opportunity for me. As soon as I went into that environment, I was so excited, and I learned so much.”
Jamie trained with the Bulls squad for a couple of months during the 2024 Sprint Series, and he didn’t take it for granted. “I got called back in as a hooker and progressed from there, the opportunity then allowed me to get back involved with Scotland U18s and Glasgow Warriors U18s. I don’t think I would’ve had that opportunity if I hadn’t trained with the Bulls. Pat MacArthur took me aside and taught me how to throw as a hooker, and that was such a cool opportunity.”
His hard work paid off, earning him a spot in a Bulls pre-season game against Watsonians, and therefore became the youngest ever Ayrshire Bulls player at just 17 years old. “When I got asked to play, I was astonished—of course, I’ll do it! The wind that day was brutal, which was scary for lineout throws!”
At the beginning of this season, Jamie spoke with Ayr 1st XV head coach Grant Anderson, about the opportunity to join Glasgow Accies as part of a partnership aimed at giving him exposure to high-level senior rugby in National 1. “Immediately my answer was yes, but I was a bit nervous going into it.” Initially playing for the Accies 2nd XV, Jamie quickly transitioned into the 1st XV. “As soon as I went, the environment was so friendly, I didn’t feel unwelcome at all. Kane Greggain, in particular, made me feel very welcome from the beginning. The coaches are Scotland internationals: Ryan Grant, Ruaridh Jackson, Duncan Weir. It’s a really high standard of coaching, and I really enjoyed my time there.”
Jamie credits the experience with improving his game in several ways. “It’s benefited me loads, helped me adapt to a new environment, meet new people, and get consistent game time. My confidence in lineout throwing has improved massively. Coming from U18s, stepping up to senior rugby is a big jump in the set piece.”
Ayr have a number of talented forwards in the squad, particularly at the hooker position with James Malcolm and Alex McGuire, who have been incredibly supportive.“Both have been at Ayr for a long time. James has played with the Warriors, and Alex is one of the most capped Super Series players. The support they’ve given me has been amazing—the little bits of advice and encouragement at training have helped develop my game so much.”
This past weekend, Jamie made his Premiership debut, and it doesn’t get much bigger than Hawick away, the 2023 Premiership champions. “With Alex out injured, Grant gave me a call, saying, ‘Potentially got a big opportunity for you.’ I was wondering if I was going to be in the squad or not. Then at training on Thursday, my nickname was up on the teamsheet, and I was buzzing when I found out.”
Coming off the bench in the second half at Mansfield Park, Jamie made his mark, scoring Ayr’s final try of the game—the one that was celebrated the most by Ayr players, staff, and supporters. “It felt unreal. When I saw Robbie Orr had the offload opportunity, my eyes lit up. As soon as I scored, the whole team surrounded me, which was so so good. A few people told me after that it got the biggest crowd reaction of the game, which is great to hear as a player.”
Through all the challenges and opportunities this season, Jamie remains grateful for the support from Ayr RFC. “I really appreciate how much Ayr stayed connected with me while I was away at Accies. They were always communicating with me, and the coaches were in close contact with each other. That helped me a lot, and made me feel like I was still really involved with the club.”
Next up, Jamie is set to be in action for Scotland U19s this Sunday against the Scotland U18s, a game he never had the chance to play in last year. Beyond that, he’s set to represent Scotland U19s against England and Italy. With the men in pink, the play-offs are looming, and a potential Scottish Cup run awaits, Jamie will be looking to play his part as we aim to end the season on the ultimate high.