Scotland calls for young Fife rugby star

St Leonards student Harry Mercer has been selected for the Scotland under-16 squad.

The year 11 pupil is the first from St Leonards to reach this level.

The school’s rugby coach Andrew Turnbull, a former Scotland internationalist, said: “The school are delighted with the news and immensely proud at what Harry has achieved with years of hard work, training and determination.

“He has demonstrated great dedication to both his school team, Madras Rugby Club and his training development so far with the Scottish U16 squad.

“It is great to see his hard work being rewarded.

The coach added: “Harry is an intelligent and skilful rugby player with a great attitude on and off the pitch, so we look forward to seeing how he progresses during this season and in years to come.” The player is also thrilled. He said: “It’s a great privilege to be selected for the Scotland U16s, and it is an opportunity that I will grab with both hands.

“I would like to thank the school, in particular my coaches, for their guidance and support.

“I look forward to the future of rugby at St Leonards and I hope that this will be the first of many national selections at our school.”

Mercer will represent Scotland at the Colwyn Bay Rugby Festival in Wales. It takes place from April 6-12 at Parc Eirias.

The selected 50 players, split into two teams – the Reds and the Blues – will play fixtures against Welsh sides Dragons, Scarlets and RGC.

Harry Mercer: hard work rewarded.