London Scottish back Alec Coombes has been selected to start for Scotland Under-20s against France this weekend in the opening round of the U20 Six Nations Championship.
The 19-year-old has been involved in Head Coach Sean Lineen’s 30-man training camps in the build-up to this season’s Championship and started last week’s 30-17 win over a Scotland Club XV at BT Murrayfield.
Coombes joined London Scottish last summer on an Academy contract and made his first team debut against Pontypridd in December.
Saturday’s clash against France at the Jean Laville Stadium, Gueugnon, 7.55pm kick-off (GMT) will be his first international cap.
The winger said: “I’m ecstatic to be involved in the squad for the first game and I am very excited to get my first cap.
“The atmosphere in camp is very upbeat and everyone is looking forward to the first game this weekend.
“I feel as though our squad has good depth and talent and I think we will be a very difficult challenge for any team that comes in our path.
“I cannot wait to get the competition started.”
London Scottish Director of Rugby, Mike Friday, added: “I’m delighted the hard work and commitment of Alec this season has been rewarded with this call-up.
“The tournament will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his ball carrying abilities and elusive running skills on the international stage.
“His selection is also a credit to our Academy set-up and it’s great we have produced another U20 squad member, proving that we have a good track record of assisting players on their development pathway to international rugby.”
Head Coach Sean Lineen told www.scottishrugby.org: “There's a lot more boys involved at the top level which lends itself to the professional mindset and what's expected in the upper reaches of the game.
“They want, and are prepared, to do that extra bit as they understand what it takes to be the best they can.
“We're moulding into a very good team and there's some players here we're really excited about.”
He added: “The French – they're big, they're aggressive and you can't sit off them.
“We've got to put pressure on them all the time.
“If we give them a loose ball, or show weakness at set-piece, they'll soon expose us.”
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