By Aaron Wilson
Speed and precise movements in the open field.
Knowledge of the game.
Significant international experience, and success.
That’s what the Houston SaberCats added to their roster when they signed back row Rufus McLean.
McLean, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound former Scotland standout for the Glasgow Warriors who was named the American Raptors’ Player of the Year during the Super Rugby America season, has made an immediate impact for the defending Western Conference Division champions.
For the first-place SaberCats, McLean had 54 meters made in a loss to the Miami Sharks.with two turnovers.
Overall, McLean has scored 15 points with three tries, 284 meters made, 16 defenders beaten and a team-high nine clean breaks and 32 crossed gainlines.
“My role is to make sure I’m finishing tries,” McLean said. “I’m enjoying playing rugby again and living in Texas.”
Fitting into the SaberCats’ locker room is a driver for McLean. McLean, 25, played rugby at the Merchiston Castle School and with Watsonian FC in the Scottish Super 6 competition before joining the Glasgow Warriors and making his debut at age 20.
McLean signed with the SaberCats in January and is thoroughly enjoying his experience.
“For starters, the sun is out,” McLean said. “That’s a great start. It’s not like back home. We have a great group of boys. The culture is amazing. At times like this, you have to enjoy the highs.”
McLean scored his first try for the SaberCats during a 24-21 comeback victory over the Seattle Seawolves.
“He means a lot,” teammate Dom Akina said of McLean. “His experience with Scotland, that makes the team better. He’s bringing in the knowledge and experience and growing out chemistry even more.”
McLean joined the SaberCats after the announcement that the Raptors wouldn’t play in 2025.
Now, he’s a key part of the SaberCats as they look to get back to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
“We’ve got a very experience team all-around,” McLean said. “As long as you can pick each others’ brains, it’s great.”
Born in Boston, McLean, nicknamed ‘Fergus,’ represented Scotland at the U18 and 820 levels and scored a pair of tries in his test debut against Tonga in 2021.
He won the Warriors’ Try of the Season award for a score against the Dragons at Principality Stadium.
He previously competed in the Six Nations championship and received his cap for Scotland in a match against Chile in 2022.
“Absolutely, he’s got so much international experience,” said Davy Coetzer, the SaberCats’ leading scorer. “He’s a great player.”
