JESS Arabian Ranches have returned from Scotland with a perfect record. Over five days in October, the Dubai school's rugby squad took on three of Scottish rugby's most storied names, The Edinburgh Academy, Melrose Rugby Club and Fettes College, and won all three.

The Edinburgh Rugby Challenge Tour, organised by TWEDEX, saw 26 players and three staff, led by Alex Glashan, fly from Dubai to Glasgow on 7 October before transferring to their base in Edinburgh. The first evening was spent finding their feet on Princes Street, followed by a much-requested team dinner at Nando's.

A Winning Start at The Edinburgh Academy

The squad's first full day began on the grass pitches of The Edinburgh Academy. Founded in 1824, it is one of Scotland's oldest independent schools and has a long, proud rugby tradition.

After a morning session split between backs and forwards, and lunch at the Raeburn, the team returned to face the Academy in blustery conditions. JESS delivered a convincing performance to open the tour with a win.

Into the Borders at Melrose

Day three mixed culture with competition. The squad explored Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile in the morning and had lunch at the University of Edinburgh. Then they headed south to the Scottish Borders to face Melrose Rugby Club, the birthplace of rugby sevens.

On Melrose's 4G pitch, in front of a strong crowd, JESS again proved too strong. The visit ended with the two sides exchanging commemorative plaques, a fitting close to a day of rugby and cultural exchange.

A Hard-Fought Finish at Fettes

The final fixture took the squad to Fettes College, founded in 1870 and known for its striking architecture and 100-acre campus. It proved the toughest test of the tour, with both sides giving everything in a highly competitive game. JESS rose to the occasion once more, winning to complete a clean sweep.

More Than Just the Rugby

For Alex Glashan, Head of Department and Teacher of Physical Education at JESS Arabian Ranches, the results were only part of the story.

"We always try, where possible, to take our Senior Boys Rugby squad on an overseas tour each year. For us, these trips are about so much more than just the rugby. The opportunity for the boys to experience different styles of play, test themselves against international schools and clubs, and develop as a group both on and off the pitch is incredibly valuable.

"Edinburgh was a particularly special destination, given its rich rugby heritage and the opportunity to compete against some top-quality opposition. To return home undefeated was a fantastic achievement, but just as importantly, the experience has brought the squad closer together and put us in a great position heading into the season ahead."

Three fixtures, three wins and a week of Scottish hospitality: a tour the JESS Arabian Ranches squad will not forget in a hurry.

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