When did you first play rugby?

When I was seven my dad took me to Harrogate rugby club. He didn’t play but he thought I’d enjoy it. Later on I went to Sedbergh College.

Can you play on both sides of the scrum?

I had more game time through the years at loosehead, but more recently I’ve played more at tighthead. In my early teens I was a centre!

How did you end up playing in Scotland? 

I qualify for Scotland through my dad’s dad, Don Allan. I played for the Exiles and Scotland age-grades and last year I became one of Edinburgh’s EDP (Elite Development Players).

I put my degree at Loughborough on hold after two years and joined Edinburgh Accies.

Who has helped you at Edinburgh? 

Allan Jacobsen stayed behind after training with me all season to give me tips and tactics.

You broke your leg just after being selected for the John Macphail Scholarship…

I was excited about going to New Zealand for the summer; it would have been a great opportunity. I was devastated when I broke my leg, but injuries are part of rugby and I had been lucky until now.

What are your aims for the next year?

I came off the bench against Munster in the Heineken Cup, which was unbelievable. Playing for Edinburgh regularly is the next step.

RW Verdict: This 21-year-old prop is on the verge of a big breakthrough. Watch for him next season!