DOUGIE FIFE has confirmed that he is in discussion with Scottish Rugby about signing a contract to become a full time member of the national Sevens squad. The 25-year-old has been capped six times for the national team in 15-aside rugby but fell out of favour at Edinburgh this season and was released by the capital club at the end of the campaign.
Fife bounced back from that disappointment to play a key role in Scotland’s first ever World Sevens Series win at Twickenham on Sunday evening, scoring two late tries – the second in added time – to secure a sensational 27-26 victory over South Africa in the Final. He also scored two late tries to see off defending London champions the USA in the semi-final.
It now looks likely that the abbreviated game will offer the Edinburgh born speed merchant a career lifeline.
“We’re in discussions at the moment and it has been great to come in with the Sevens boys and have some really good tournaments. We’ve played really well and I’m really enjoying my rugby again so that could potentially be the way forward,” said Fife.
“I’ve always really enjoyed the Sevens. I played it a few years ago and I really enjoyed the chance to get back out there – I‘d forgotten how much fun it is,” he added.
“It is pretty hard to switch back from playing fifteens. It’s the little technical things at the breakdown and stuff like that, plus the fitness is harder, but after a few weeks you pick it up.”
Scotland Sevens coach Calum MacRae was giving very little away about the make-up of his core squad for next season’s World Series, but he did not hold back in dishing out the praise for Fife.
“He’s a special player. We look at a certain physical and personality profiles for the Sevens game because you have to be a very good athlete with repeatability, which Dougie is. He’s a great footballer, he’s brave and he hasn’t let certain disappointments this season drag him down – he’s stayed focussed for the team,” he said.
“There’s discussions going on at this point in time and I feel as though we will be able to build upon this squad and have another strong season next year.”
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