Cameron McGarey
Ayr’s latest rising talent
Michael Hamilton
Ayr has a long habit of producing rugby players who understand that progress is earned rather than announced. Cammy McGarey fits neatly into that tradition. Still finishing school and already balancing club rugby, regional training and Scotland age-grade ambitions, he is a great example of a budding career being built on consistency, discipline and hard work.
Rugby has always been there. Growing up in Kilmarnock, Cammy played just about every sport going – football, tennis, anything competitive – but rugby was the one that stuck. “I enjoyed lots of sports,” he says, “but rugby was always the main one.”
That focus sharpened towards the end of primary school, when the game shifted to full pitches and fifteen-a-side rugby. “That was when I thought, right, I really want to see how far I can go with this.” District trials at under-16 level followed, and once Cammy came through those, the decision was made. Other sports were put to the side and rugby became his number one priority.
A move from Cumnock Rugby Club to Ayr proved pivotal. Still at school, Cammy travelled through to train and play, stepping into a club deeply embedded in the town and serious about development. Any concerns about settling in quickly disappeared. “The boys were brilliant straight away,” he says. “The coaches were great too, even ones who weren’t directly coaching me would speak to you after training, help you with your skills.”
That environment has helped accelerate his progress. Ayr’s senior coaches regularly watch the under-18s, and pathways feel visible rather than theoretical. With club rugby, Glasgow regional training and Scotland age-grade commitments, communication and support matter, and Ayr have been more than accommodating when Cammy’s workload needs managing.
A typical week would test most teenagers, but Cammy understands it is what needs to be done to succeed. Gym and rugby sessions in Glasgow and Ayr, early mornings at Scotstoun, Saturday matches, and Sundays set aside for recovery. “Sunday’s just about getting right again,” Cammy says. “Ready to go for the next week.”
The rewards have already followed. His Scotland under-18 call-up remains a standout moment. The email arrived while he was still at school. He tried to phone his parents to tell them, but they didn’t answer! “I had to wait till I got home to tell them,” he laughs. “They were buzzing.” Their support, he says, has been constant – lifts, travel, watching games – without ever needing to be asked.
On the pitch, Cammy is a high-energy presence. Scrum-half demands it: every breakdown, every decision, constant communication. Recently, he is focused on becoming louder and improving his control of games. At first-team level, that has meant developing his kicking. “Territory becomes massive,” he explains. “You can’t just play in your own half, you’ve got to kick well from nine and I’m working really hard at raining to improve.”
At such a young age, pressure can mount, especially at international level. Cammy admits a wee bit of nerves when he first represented Scotland but as soon as he got on the pitch that all went away. I love his attitude to set-backs, it’s the mentality that all top athletes need. If a kick goes wrong, he wants the ball back. “I want another chance straight away,” he says. “Just to prove to myself I’m better than that moment.”
Away from rugby, discipline remains key. While friends head out at weekends, Cammy usually doesn’t. “I still see them, we will go for lunch after school on a Friday” he says, “but I know what I want, and I know sacrifices come with that.” He’s seen talent drift away before. He’s determined not to be another example.
School is balanced carefully alongside rugby, with strong support from teachers. Missed classes are caught up after school or on Sundays, even if he is sore after a long week, he knows he needs to stick in and maintain his grades. University is already in his plans, with sports psychology or sports science the likely path, something that fits his interests and keeps options open beyond playing days.
For now, the goals are clear. Put on a bit of size – there has been a notable difference in physicality as he’s progressed. I reminded him to enjoy eating whatever he likes while he’s young – not as easy at 40, sadly. Push deep into the playoffs with Ayr. Earn selection for Scotland under-18s ahead of the Six Nations in France. Keep improving, session by session.
Cammy cites Greig Laidlaw, Ali Price and Jamie Dobie as players he’s admired, scrum-halves known for control, intelligence and control
Grounded, driven and quietly confident, Cammy McGarey continues to move forward. His dad showed him a great photo recently, one of Greig Laidlaw high fiving him at Murrayfield. If he carries on the way he is, it could be Cammy dishing out the high fives in the not too distant future.
