London Scottish can today confirm the signing of former Welsh under-18s scrum-half Ben Calder.

The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on his first professional deal and joins the stable of talented number nines at London Scottish which includes Scotland A internationalist Jamie Stevenson and former Scotland under-20 ace Matt Heeks.

A product of the Saracens Rugby Academy which he joined as a 12-year-old, Calder sampled his first taste of Greene King IPA Championship rugby last season whilst at Bedford Blues.

Currently he is completing his studies at Oakland College, Hertfordshire but is thrilled to be joining Scottish following one season at Bedford.

He said: “I have enjoyed the first month of pre-season and it's great to be back working with Head of Performance Tim Harper who I have known since the age of 13 when I was at Saracens. 

“The set-up is first class and I have been made to feel very welcome.

“I am looking forward to improving my game in this environment and working with two former scrum-halves in Mike Friday and Peter Richards.”

Friday, who was announced as the Club's new Director of Rugby this week, said: “Ben reminds me a lot of a young Jamie Stevenson.

“He is sharp, has a good pass and decent pace.

“As his confidence grows we think he has the capabilities to effectively manage a game.

“It is a big opportunity for him and we are hoping he can break through this season.”