The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
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.”