From her first steps onto the pitch at Howe of Fife RFC to representing Scotland at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Heriot-Watt University sports scholar, Molly Poolman, has carved an inspiring path through the world of rugby.

Molly’s rugby story began in primary school, inspired by her brothers and driven by a growing passion for the sport. By age 15, she was already representing Scotland at U18 level. After moving to Edinburgh for university, she joined a Scottish Premiership club and continued her rise through the national pathway, earning caps for Scotland U20 and later playing for Edinburgh in the Celtic Challenge.

Her performance in the Celtic Challenge led to a senior call-up, where she made her debut in France and earned five caps during the tournament. Just weeks later, Molly was named in the 32-player squad heading to England for the Women’s Rugby World Cup — a landmark moment in her career.

Training at Oriam: Building Champions

In preparation for the World Cup, the national squad undertook an intensive pre-season camp at Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre. The training was physically demanding, designed to give the team a competitive edge. But it wasn’t just about fitness — Oriam also hosted specialist workshops covering nutrition, women’s health, media training, and more, ensuring athletes were equipped to perform at their best both on and off the pitch.

Molly reflected on the experience:

“My first Women’s Rugby World Cup was an experience I’ll never forget — exciting, surreal, emotional, and definitely challenging. Playing 60 minutes against Canada, ranked second in the world, was a huge highlight. Seeing my family in the stands every week made it even more special.”

She also celebrated a historic achievement with her teammates — reaching Scotland’s first World Cup quarter-final in 22 years.

“My biggest takeaway is just how much the women’s game has grown. Most matches were sold out, and the atmosphere was unbelievable. It was a privilege to be part of something shaping the future of women’s rugby.”

Supporting Student-Athletes at Oriam

Molly is part of the first cohort of the Sport and Exercise Science degree programme, launched in 2022. Through the Sport Scholarship Programme, Oriam provides student-athletes like Molly with:

• • Strength & conditioning sessions

• • Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy access

• • Sport psychology support

• • Educational workshops

• • Oriam membership and Sport Scholar kit

Associate Professor Mark Ross from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society highlights the unique offering:

“With our world-class facilities and close partnership with the Sport Scholarship team, we provide athletes like Molly with the flexibility and support they need to balance elite sport with academic success.”

At Oriam, we believe athletes shouldn’t have to choose between sport and study — they should be empowered to excel in both.

Interested in Sports Scholarships?

If you’re an aspiring athlete looking to combine your academic journey with elite-level sport, Oriam’s Sport Scholarship Programme could be the perfect fit. With access to world-class facilities, expert support teams, and tailored academic flexibility, we’re here to help you reach your full potential — both on the pitch and in the classroom.
👉 Find out more about our sports scholarships