Scholes joined the Ulster academy ahead of the 2011–12 season. During his first two seasons in the academy, he primarily played for his club side Belfast Harlequins and the province's second-tier side, the Ulster Ravens. In February 2014, Scholes made his senior debut for the team away to the Ospreys in the 2013–14 Pro12, and made a further four appearances in the league that season.