London Scottish Academy winger Alec Coombes has scooped the prestigious Sir Tommy Macpherson Quaich – awarded to the Young London Scottish Player of the Year.
Coombes was named the winner this year at the Friends of Scottish Rugby AGM Dinner held earlier this month at the Caledonian Club, London.
With Alec on Scotland U20s international duty, Academy coach Corne du Rand received the Quaich on his behalf from Lady MacPherson, widow of Sir Tommy MacPherson CBE MC TD DL who passed away in November.
Coombes was part of the Scotland U20s side which ended their Six Nations campaign in third place, the age-group sides highest ever finish.
The former Millfield School student scored a memorable try from 60 metres out in the win over Italy and started all five of the U20s matches.
In December he made his First team debut for London Scottish in a B&I Cup clash against Pontypridd.
Coombes said: “I am honoured to win the London Scottish Young Player of the Year award.
“I have really enjoyed my first season at London Scottish and hope to kick-on following the U20s successful Six Nations campaign.
“I was so pleased to get my first start against France, which was my aim, and to play all five matches in the Six Nations was great.
“Having not playing international rugby before it was a big step-up but it has been a big boost to my confidence.”
London Scottish coach, Peter Richards, added: “Alec has come back and trained better than ever following the Six Nations campaign and clearly the experience has benefitted him greatly.
“He is full of confidence and will have bigger expectations on himself moving forward. I'm really pleased for him.”
Previous recipients of the Sir Tommy Macpherson Quaich include former Scotland U20s skipper Tommy Spinks, now at Glasgow Warriors, and former Scotland A scrum-half Jamie Stevenson.
– Sir Thomas Macpherson CBE MC TD DL passed away in November aged 94.
He was one of the most decorated soldiers of World War Two and was inducted into the London Scottish Hall of Fame back in February of last year.
He was a regular player at fly-half for London Scottish from 1946 to 1955.
