Former Kilkenny rugby player impresses for Scotland in U20 Six Nations

A former Kilkenny rugby player has been making his mark on the Scottish rugby scene, rising through the ranks to represent Scotland in the Six Nations Under-20s Championship. 

Oliver Duncan plays in the back row for both Edinburgh pro-academy and the Scotland national under-20 team. 

Oliver was born in Edinburgh but raised in Kilkenny. His mother, Catriona Mackey, is a Gathabawn native, and his father Paul Duncan moved to Kilkenny when Oliver was three years old. Oliver attended the Gaelscoil Osrai Primary School in Loughboy with his sister, Orlaith. He played hurling with O’Loughlin Gaels and rugby with Kilkenny RFC. 

"Ollie would always finish a season in one sport before he started another; he would miss the start of the hurling season to finish the rugby and miss the start of the rugby season to finish the hurling", said Andy Duncan, Oliver's uncle.  

Paul and Catriona made the decision to move back to Edinburgh with their two children and expand their businesses. They now run three restaurants in the heart of Edinburgh’s grass market. 

Oliver continued playing rugby after moving back to Scotland, and represented Scotland in Gaelic football on several occasions. However, he never forgot his Gathabawn roots, visiting his family in Ireland regularly. 

Oliver has shown incredible dedication to rugby, progressing well in his career. He represented Edinburgh Academical as well as Edinburgh Academy, where he was a 2022 U18 Schools Cup finalist, before being promoted up to Edinburgh Pro-Academy. He also represented Scotland in the U18 Six Nations festival. He came off the bench for Scotland U20 in their 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy final victory over USA U20. 

Unfortunately, Oliver has suffered some injuries recently. But through his resilience, determination and with exceptional hard work, he has managed to rehabilitate himself in time for the U20 Six Nations. Last weekend, he represented Scotland against Italy. He was only allowed to play 40 minutes in line with return-to-play protocol; he came on in the 42nd minute and scored a much-needed try. 

Two days ago, Oliver came off the bench to represent Scotland against his other home nation Ireland. Fortunately for Ireland, but unfortunately for Oliver, Ireland beat Scotland 33-15. Scotland U20s will be facing off with England next weekend, where Oliver and co will hope to get their first win of the tournament.