Gallant even in defeat

THE pride in the Bravehearts’ jersey has been restored and one man can stake a claim to leading the charge, even if it might be his first and last as captain.

The performance of Scotland prop Luke Douglas against Samoa might not been perfect, but it was one his family could be proud of, even if they couldn’t all be here.

“I would have loved for my dad to be here. He’s home and was a bit crook during the week and couldn’t fly out. He had tickets but unfortunately wasn’t here,” he said.

“My wife was here, my son, mother-in-law supporting me, so it was good to have them here. It could be my last game, it could be my last game for Scotland, who knows.

“I fly back on November 30, back to preseason at St Helens so I’m glad we finished on the note we did and definitely looking back and I’m pretty happy with how I’ve gone.”

Douglas (pictured) said he was also pretty happy with the legacy their last World Cup performance would leave for the future with an emerging squad certain to improve for 2021.

“We just really wanted to step up, defend well and really give it a good shot and I’m proud of the boys,” he said.

“They’ve got a good side Samoa and we’ve got guys in Championship 1, Championship and playing over in Super League, and we’ve come together and we’ve really tried to leave the jersey in a better position and I think we did.”