Sporting stars honoured at University of Stirling graduation

Speaking after collecting his degree, Finn said: “Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Stirling is something that I’m extremely proud of, and it is made all the more special as someone who grew up less than a mile away in Bridge of Allan. It’s been a great experience to share this day with so many other people who are passionate about the positive impact that sport can have to change and improve lives.

“I’m also proud to see the ambition to develop the next generation of rugby players here at the University of Stirling in partnership with Stirling County - where I started my own career. Partnerships like this will help young players develop both on and off the pitch and reinforce Stirling's place in Scottish rugby.”

Finn began his rugby journey at Wallace High School in Stirling, a short distance from the University. He went on to play for Glasgow Warriors, where he won the Pro12 title, before joining French club Racing 92, and then Bath.

As an international, Finn has been part of Scotland’s squad for the Rugby World Cup in 2015, 2019 and 2023, and the Six Nations. He has been selected for three British and Irish Lions tours in 2017, 2021, and 2025.

Steven Tigg received an Honorary Doctorate from University of Stirling, where he previously was Head Performance Swim Coach.

Steven Tigg was a swimmer based at the National Swimming Academy at the University in the early 1990s, enjoying a successful junior career before joining the University’s high-performance programme as a coach in 2014, and being promoted to the lead role in 2017.

He has been a key driver of the success and growth of the programme, which is today regarded as one of the best in the world – under Steven’s leadership, University swimmers won 11 medals at the Olympics and 27 at the Commonwealth Games. 

Steven has coached Great Britain at the Olympics and at the World Championships on five occasions. He coached Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and was Head Coach at the Birmingham Games in 2022. Following last year’s Olympics, Steven was appointed to the top job in British swimming.

Speaking after collecting his degree, Steven said: “The University of Stirling has played a massive part in my life from a very young age - as a member of the local community accessing facilities, a young aspiring athlete utilising the environment, a student and then an employee - it has always been a significant pillar of support.

“To be receiving an honorary degree is surreal, and something I would have never imagined all those years ago when I first set foot on campus. For me, it means that regardless of where I go or what I do, the University’s values and principles will forever be carried with me, and I will always be a vocal advocate of its excellence.”

In total, 1,537 students graduated from the University of Stirling this week. Three ceremonies have been held across two days (20-21 November), with graduates celebrating their academic achievements alongside family, friends and university staff.

Finn Russell, from nearby Bridge of Allan, received an honorary degree at the University of Stirling.

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Finn Russell is a global talent who has never forgotten his roots here in Stirlingshire, often supporting the local community with charitable and fundraising efforts. He is a creative and skilful professional rugby union player whose performances excite and entertain fans, whether at club or international level.

“Steven Tigg is one of the world’s most highly regarded and successful swimming coaches, who spearheaded the University’s internationally renowned programme, which has mentored and developed Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games champions. His success saw him appointed Swimming Head Coach at Aquatics GB, and he remains an inspirational ambassador for the University of Stirling at a local, national and international level.

“Both Finn and Steven are excellent role models for our talented and committed students who graduated this week.”

Finn Russell biography

Finn Russell is a renowned Scottish professional rugby union player, celebrated for his creativity, skill and leadership on the field. Born in Bridge of Allan, Finn began his rugby journey at Wallace High School, a short distance from the University.

After joining Glasgow Warriors in 2012, Finn made his professional debut in February 2013, against Zebre in the Pro12. The then Glasgow Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, offered Finn a full-time contract for the 2014/15 season, during which he played a significant role in the Warriors’ Pro12 title triumph. This included scoring 22 points in a crucial match against Ulster and contributing to the team's victory over Munster in the final.

Finn made his international debut for Scotland in 2014 during the summer tour of North America, playing against the United States and Canada. He was part of Scotland's squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where he scored a try in the opening match against Japan. He was also called up as a replacement for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, making his debut in a match against the Hurricanes.

At the end of the 2017/18 season, Finn left Glasgow to join French club Racing 92, replacing All Black Dan Carter at fly-half. During his time with Racing 92, he continued to showcase his playmaking abilities, becoming a key player for the team.

Finn played in three of Scotland's group matches at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, scoring another try against Japan, and two years later he was selected for the Lions' tour to South Africa, where he played a crucial role in the decisive third Test match – kicking 11 points and earning widespread praise for his performance.

Finn joined Bath after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, marking a new chapter in his career, and has gone on to make more than 40 appearances for the club. He signed an extended deal until 2028 earlier this year.

In 2023, he was selected for Scotland’s Rugby World Cup campaign in France and was named co-captain for the 2024 Six Nations Championship.

Earlier this year, he was called up to the Lions for their test matches against Australia – and was named Howden Player of the Series as the Lions triumphed 2-1. 

Steven Tigg biography

Steven Tigg is an internationally renowned swim coach, who is currently Head Coach at Aquatics GB, where he is responsible for leading and developing Britain’s world-class swimming talent in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and beyond. He previously spent 10 years coaching at the University of Stirling, Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. 

Hailing from Alloa, Steven himself was a swimmer, based at the National Swimming Academy at the University. First arriving on campus in the early 1990s as part of Stirling Amateur Swim Club, he enjoyed a successful swimming career at junior level, before turning his attention to studying and part-time teaching.

He started his coaching career as a volunteer at Alloa Swim Club in 2005 and it was there – just a few weeks into his role – that he met and started to coach a young Duncan Scott. It was the beginning of a special relationship which resulted in Steven coaching Scott for almost 20 years, including a decade at the University.

Steven joined the University’s high-performance programme as a coach in 2014, initially supporting Head Coach Ben Higson before being promoted to the lead role in 2017. Prior to this, he had coached the Stirling Students’ Union team from 2009. 

Steven has been vital in driving the success and growth of the programme, which is today regarded as one of the best in the world. Notably, under his expert leadership, the University sent a record number of swimmers to last year’s Olympics (eight), and to the 2022 Commonwealth Games (16).  During Steven’s time at Stirling, University swimmers won 11 medals at the Olympics – including Scott, Scotland’s most decorated Olympian – and 27 at the Commonwealth Games. 

Steven has coached Great Britain at the Olympics in Paris (2024) and Tokyo (2021), and at the World Championships on five occasions. He coached Team Scotland at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (2018), was Head Coach at the Birmingham Games in 2022, and Head Coach of the London Roar International Swimming League team.

Following last year’s Olympics, Steven was appointed to the top job in British swimming. Steven’s success has seen him celebrated with a plethora of Coach of the Year awards, including at the Team Scotland Sports Awards (2016 and 2018); British Swimming Awards (2018 and 2024); British Swim Coaches Association Awards (2018); and Scottish Swimming Awards (2015 to 2024). Last year, he was announced as a National Lottery Game Changer – recognising his contribution to sport and community.