MUNCASTER THRILLED BY SCOTS SELECTION

Ben Muncaster is “absolutely buzzing” as he prepares to go on Scotland’s summer tour of South America later this month.

The 20-year-old backrower has been rewarded for an impressive finish to the season with Edinburgh by being named in Gregor Townsend’s squad for the first time.

Muncaster always hoped to land a call-up for the national team but admits it has probably come sooner than he expected.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” he said, reflecting on being selected in the 40-man pool for a tour that will incorporate an A team game against Chile and three Tests against Argentina.

“I got the call last week when I was in Cape Town and I can’t really put it into words. It’s something I’ve been thinking about all my life. I’ve wanted to be in the Scotland squad for ages.

“I wouldn’t say it (the call-up) has taken me by surprise but I wasn’t really thinking about it when I was putting on the Edinburgh jersey. Now being invited on this tour with Scotland is very exciting.

“It’s a good milestone but now I need to put my hand up for selection.”

Muncaster forced his way more prominently into Mike Blair’s Edinburgh side following injuries to key men.

“At the start of the season I wasn’t a big fan of how I played but probably from when we went to South Africa, and when we played against Sharks, I was very happy with my performance.

“Gregor said he’s been impressed with how I’ve played for Edinburgh in the last couple of months. Some of the back-rows got injured and I had to put my hand up and I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it.”

The youngster feels the fact clubmates like Hamish Watson and Grant Gilchrist – who will captain the national team on tour in the absence of Stuart Hogg – are prominent members of the squad will help smooth his transition into the group.

“Quite a lot of the big guns play for Edinburgh, the likes of Gilly, who is getting the captaincy, and Hamish, so I don’t think it will be that different.”