An image of Angus Scott-Young playing for the Queensland Reds.

Queensland Reds player Angus Scott-Young speaks to Contact about his goal of becoming a doctor.


Some people are lucky to get the chance live out a childhood dream. UQ graduate Angus Scott-Young (Bachelor of Commerce ’19 / Bachelor of Science ’19) is living two.

The 22-year-old is a professional rugby union player and key cog in the Queensland Reds forward pack. In 2020, he will take his first steps towards a medical career when he begins a Doctor of Medicine degree at UQ.

“Sport, especially rugby, has always been an important part of my life, but I also have a passion for understanding the natural and health sciences," Scott-Young said.

“I thought medicine would be a great career to foster this curiosity. 

“I have visited the Queensland Children’s Hospital multiple times through the Reds’ charity program to distribute gifts to patients, and this has only reaffirmed my intention to pursue medicine.

“I’m also inspired by UQ alumnus and former Wallabies star Dr Mark Loane (Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery ’77; Bachelor of Arts ’00). He had a successful rugby career and completed a medical degree through UQ, going on to become a highly regarded ophthalmic surgeon.”

It will mean the 2019 UQ Sports Achievement Scholarship recipient will continue juggling professional sport with full-time study, something he has done since beginning his undergraduate commerce and science dual degree in 2015.

“I gained a provisional entry pathway to medicine at UQ in 2014, when I graduated from Anglican Church Grammar School,” Scott-Young said.

“I’ve always had a keen interest in science – particularly biomedicine and physics – and I chose commerce as I wanted to develop an understanding of business and the economy that could serve me throughout my career."

“Juggling full-time study and professional rugby is extremely busy. I’m at Ballymore for training close to 40 hours a week during the Super Rugby season, and I am travelling around Australia or abroad for matches over the weekends. 

“This leaves little time for study and highlights the crucial need for effective time management and strategic planning.


"I learnt that studying whenever you can – on board long-haul flights and between training sessions – was very important.”


The flanker has played 29 matches for the Queensland Reds since making his Super Rugby debut in 2018. A year earlier, he was part of the UQ side that defeated GPS in the Queensland Premier Rugby grand final.

“I have really fond memories of that team and the celebrations after the game. In fact, 2017 was a good year for me as I had won the Super 20s tournament with the Queensland under-20s side earlier that year and would go on to win the National Rugby Championship with Queensland Country.”

Scott-Young experienced premiership success with UQ again in 2019, recovering from pneumonia to play off the bench in the grand final as his side defeated Brothers 31–26.

UQ has a proud history of producing future Australian representatives, including Michael Lynagh, Nathan Sharpe, Stephen Moore and James Horwill, and Scott-Young is keen to emulate their achievements.

He is also hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father Sam, who played seven matches for the Wallabies between 1990 and 1992.


Learn more about UQ Sporting Scholarship opportunities.

Images: Queensland Rugby Union / Brendan Hertel

An image of Angus Scott-Young after a game with UQ Rugby Club.
An image of Angus Scott-Young after a game with UQ Rugby Club.

Congratulate Angus on his achievements

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