When did you first play?

My dad Les was a minis coach at Howe of Fife and I joined the club when I was six. Later I played for Strathallan and Bell Baxter High School.

How have you ended up at Clermont Auvergne?

They contacted me after I played for Scotland U18 against France in 2012. I was shocked at first, then it all happened really fast and I signed the following week.

Was moving to France as an 18-year-old tough? 

During my first month I got a fractured sternum and collapsed lung. I was in hospital for a week and with the language barrier I didn’t know what was happening. But things have been great since then.

Are you glad you went?  

Clermont is a great place to work on individual skills. Jason White was there in my first year and was a big help with rugby and off-the-field things. I am working on all areas of my game and it’s a big aim to play at this year’s U20 World Championship.

RW verdict: Brave enough to move to France, this young No 9 won four Scotland U20 caps this spring.

Want to keep up to date with rugby’s hotshots every month? Why not subscribe to Rugby World? Click here to see our latest subscription deals, or find out how to download the digital edition here.