Blyth-lafferty handed debut for under-20s’ opener against Wales

In a week when a lot of talk has been about tighthead props – or the lack of them – in Scotland, head coach Kenny Murray has handed “exceptional prospect” Ollie Blyth-lafferty a debut in the under-20s’ No 3 jersey.

Scotland begin their under-20 Six Nations campaign away to Wales at Stadiwm

CSM in Colywn Bay tomorrow evening (kick off 6.45pm, live on BBC iplayer).

Blyth-lafferty is one of the youngest players in the Edinburgh Rugby full-time academy set-up, but in recent months the former Firrhill High School pupil, who came through the ranks at Boroughmuir, has impressed many while playing for Currie Chieftains and in training with the pro team.

As a result, Murray has picked him to start for the U20s ahead of the more experienced Callum Norrie who is on the bench.

“Ollie’s a younger player who is still qualified to play U18 level and he stands out as an exceptional prospect for Scottish rugby,” Murray said.

“He’s already sitting at over 130kg, so he’s a big man for his age and he’s got a real love for scrummaging.

“He’s scrummaged well in training and he played against a Wales development squad in December and scrummaged well then, so he deserves his starting place and that keeps other players on their toes.”

It will be a special day for the family as his older brother Jerry,anu20sreturneefrom2023, is on the bench. Scotland U20: Fergus Watson; Kerr Johnston, Geordie Gwynn, Kerr Yule, Amena Caqusau, Isaac Coates, Murdoch Lock; Robbie Deans, Elliot Young, Ollie Blyth-lafferty, Euan Mcvie, Ruaraidh Hart, Liam Mcconnell (C), Freddy Douglas, Tom Currie. Subs: Jerry Blyth-lafferty, Alex O’driscoll, Callum Norrie, Archie Clarke, Monroe Job, Jonny Morris, Eric Davey, Jack Hocking.