We are excited to be welcoming international prop Alex Allan to the clan this season as our new player/coach! Alex brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience at the highest level with 109 caps for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro 14 and 8 caps for Scotland.
Position: Prop
Nationality/heritage: British
Nickname: Sandy
Favourite rugby player: Chunk (Allan Jacobsen)
Interesting fact: I trialled for Leeds Utd U10s/I have played for every Scotland 15s representative team
Can you tell us a bit about your rugby journey/background to date?
I started playing at Harrogate RUFC at age 7 while playing school rugby for Cundall Manor and then Sedbergh School. I then went to Loughborough University and played in the team that gained promotion to National 1. Following this I signed for Edinburgh Rugby and Edinburgh Accies where I got my first cap for Scotland while still an academy player against the USA. I then spent 7 years playing for Glasgow Warriors including during the pro12 winning season in 2014/15 before rupturing my Achilles in December 2020. Having already completed my level 1+2 coaching badge I undertook my level 3 with Hillhead Jordanhill in 2019/20.
What did you study at University and what are your hobbies/interests outside of rugby?
I studied Quantity Surveying at uni and spend time cycling, on the golf course and hiking and camping up hills.
IHow is quarantine life going so far? What are the weekly/daily highlights?
Quarantine is ok, playing lots of cards, speaking to the players and analysing the matches.
What are you looking forward to most about life in Hong Kong and playing for Hong Kong Scottish?
Exploring Hong Kong and experiencing the culture of Hong Kong rugby.
As a coach I try make things as fun as possible and empower the players to have the skill set and role knowledge to then make decisions based on what they see in front of them. As a player I will continue with my rehab on my Achilles.
Do you have any hidden talents…?
Zero (we don’t believe him…)
What’s your favourite pre-match song?
Anything from Eminem
We look forward to welcoming Alex and his wife Catriona to the clan!