Heriot’s is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Head of Rugby, Mr Marko Mladenovic.
Marko grew up in Cyprus where he enjoyed playing many sports. Having an initial interest in football, sailing and windsurfing, he moved to rugby aged 13. The game and the people that introduced him to rugby had a huge impression on him and he knew he wanted to incorporate rugby into his future. His playing journey took him across leagues in England, Scotland and a stint in France, accumulating 45 caps for Cyprus, including captaining his country across 4 seasons. Marko represented the Cyprus 7s team in over 30 competitions.
Marko’s coaching career commenced in France as a Rugby Coach in the local schools of Le Puy en Velay (the town he played rugby for), followed by a period at George Watson’s College coaching multiple age groups. Most recently, Marko worked at the Murrayfield Wanderers as Rugby Development Officer for 5 years. In the past 3 seasons, Marko has worked in the Edinburgh Regional programme as a Lead Coach for the U16s programme, more specifically being tasked with leading the attack and the backline.
Marko was drawn to the Head of Rugby position at Heriot’s because “The Heriot’s name is an institution of education steeped in history and excellence. I see my appointment at GHS as a huge privilege and a fantastic opportunity in my coaching career to build on the foundations laid by my predecessor (Ben Cairns). I look forward to working with staff to build something special through the rugby programme. Despite having only just started in this role, the warmth of the staff has left the biggest impression on me so far.”
As Marko settles in at Heriot’s, he has already picked up on how coachable and receptive the pupils at Heriot’s have been at rugby sessions at Goldenacre; he feels there is plenty of scope and potential to achieve but to do this, players will need to invest (through effort and attention) in the way they train, the way they play and how they measure and review success and effort. Marko is passionate about pupils being the best versions of themselves through rugby and wants pupils to work hard towards creating a brand of rugby with a collectively nurturing culture and environment that players and coaches are proud to pass down for next generation of rugby players at Heriot’s.
Marko’s love for rugby extends into his free time but he also enjoys watching the GOATs (Greatest Of All Time) executing their mastery in their respective sports; IE Lebron James (NBA), Simone Biles (Gymnastics) and tennis matches between Djokovic, Sinner & Alcaraz.
Alongside his appointment at Heriot’s, Marko will continue to work as a Lead Coach on the Edinburgh Regional programme and coach the Cyprus Rugby 7s team who are participating in the 2027 GSSE in Monaco (Games of the Small States of Europe – Cyprus’ version of the Olympics!) with the aim of achieving a medal.
Welcome to the Heriot’s community, Mr Mladenovic!
