London Scottish are pleased to announce the addition of Scotland International centre Ben MacDougall to their squad for the 2010/11 season. Signing on for an initial one-year contract until the end of the season, Ben will provide Simon Amor and his coaching staff another dimension to their already talented back line and brings with him a vast amount of experience from the top levels of the game

An initial convert to the 15 man game in 2004, Ben started his union career north of the border with Edinburgh Rugby. Transferring to the Border Reivers in 2006, he stayed with the club until the disbandment of the region at the end of the 2006/07 season. During his initial spell in union, Ben represented Scotland twice, making his last appearance during the 2006 tour of South Africa.
 

Returning to his native Australia, Cross code star MacDougall had successful spells with Melbourne Storm and Balmain Tigers making 87 appearances throughout his NRL career, scoring 27 tries. On his signing with Scottish, the international centre said “London Scottish have given me a wonderful opportunity to further my ambitions in rugby union and help a team that’s on the up. The club has so much history and I want to play my part in taking the club forward.’’
 

London Scottish Head Coach Simon Amor recognised this ambition and also the impact a Scotland International would have on the squad. “We are fortunate at London Scottish to have a history and club people want to play for. Our current set of players are determined to match our success from last season and I think Ben’s signing can only assist us in this goal. You don’t play for the sides Ben has and at the level he has without having a good rugby brain and the ability to perform under pressure. Both qualities will be key for us this season as we look to him to mentor some of the younger players within the squad, passing on some of the experiences he has picked up throughout his career.
 

Commenting on the move MacDougall’s agent Tom Beattie said, “I’d like to thank London Scottish CEO Tony Copsey and Simon Amor for making this happen. Ben is thrilled to be here in an environment readymade for success. Physically he is in fantastic condition, so there is no reason why he can’t put a run of games together and make a push for International selection!”