Sport-loving teenager Callum Madgin has traded the rugby pitches of Newcastle for the sunshine fields of Miami after securing a scholarship with St. Thomas University, home to Florida’s leading varsity rugby programme.
The former Dame Allan’s Sixth Form student, who recently completed A Levels in business, psychology and PE, will now study Business Management at St. Thomas while also joining its highly regarded Bobcats Rugby Club.
Callum, 18, from Wallsend, received an emotional send-off from his grandmother, Alison Madgin MBE, who has raised him since infancy. Alison’s daughter and Callum’s mother, Samantha, tragically lost her life in a fatal stabbing when Callum was just weeks old.
“I’m overjoyed for Callum and so proud. Rugby is his passion — it’s where he truly comes alive. At home we call him the ‘gentle giant’, but once he’s on the pitch every emotion comes through. He’s even taken his Dame Allan’s rugby kit out to Miami, and I know he’ll wear it with pride.”
Alison
Rugby union is rapidly expanding in America, and St. Thomas University’s men’s rugby programme is recognised as one of the strongest in the country, ranked second in USA Rugby’s D1AA division. Its recent partnership with the professional Miami Sharks marks a clear pathway for players like Callum to progress from college rugby to the professional ranks.
“I’m excited by the challenge ahead. The coach at St. Thomas really sold me on their rugby programme — it’s clear they’re serious about developing talent,” said Callum, who applied through Elite Rugby Scholars, a platform connecting UK talent with US universities.
“Rugby has taught me resilience and hard work, and I’m grateful to Dame Allan’s and my coaches, Mr Hay and Mr Kelly, for helping me to develop as a player and a person.”
Callum’s rugby journey began at age five at Percy Park RFC, followed by Northern RFC and county-level representation at 16. He also played as tight head prop for Dame Allan’s 1st XV, balancing his studies with training three nights a week and matches every Saturday.
Travelling with him to Miami were his grandfather, Stan, and cousin Kelsy, who joined him to help him settle into life in Florida.
Alison, who has campaigned tirelessly against knife crime through her charity Samantha’s Legacy, said:
“It broke my heart to see him go — saying goodbye brought every emotion flooding back. It’s always been me and him; he’s my world.
“Since Samantha’s death, I’ve dedicated my life to Callum, to give him the best start and to make sure he always felt loved. But my work here is done, now he can go to Miami and truly be himself.”
Alison said that sending Callum to Dame Allan’s was the ‘best decision’ she and his grandfather made.
“The school has helped shape him into the young man he is today, with a fantastic group of friends for life,” she said.
“They supported him through tough times and the wider school community of parents has supported me too.”
Will Scott, Principal of Dame Allan’s Schools, said:
“Callum has faced more than most young people his age, yet he has never let that define him. His determination to succeed, on and off the rugby field, has led him to this incredible opportunity in Miami. We wish him every success as he begins this next chapter of his rugby and academic journey.”
