GLASGOW WARRIORS have recruited 20-year-old winger/full-back Rufus McLean from the Scottish Rugby FOSROC Academy programme, where he was aligned with the Boroughmuir Bears Super6 team.
The former Merchiston Castle schoolboy has represented Scotland at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and most recently Under-20 level during the last two seasons. He played in four of the Under-20 team’s matches in the most recent Six Nations and scored three tries.
He may be slight by professional rugby standards [just under 5ft 10ins and 13 stone according to the Scottish Rugby website], but McLean’s pace, agility and kicking game more than compensates for that lack of bulk.
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“Rufus is a great young talent,” said head coach Danny Wilson. “His game has really improved whilst a part of the academy and he was a stand-out player across the back three for Scotland U20s this year.
“His work ethic and drive have really impressed the coaches and we look forward to welcoming him into the senior squad next season.”
Scotland’s head of age-grade rugby, Sean Lineen, who coached McLean during the Under-20s Six Nations, praised the player’s work-ethic, adaptability and ability to make an impact with ball in hand.
“Rufus is such an exciting young Scottish talent,” he said. “He plays with a real maturity in his game and he’s taken every new level in his stride.
“His ability to play across the back three – as we saw for Scotland U20 this year – makes him a real asset to any squad, and he has natural pace and a real eye for a gap. Every time he gets the ball there is huge excitement.
“Most of all, though, it’s his desire to improve his own game that makes him such a prospect; he always keeps his standards high, and his hunger to learn from coaches and team-mates is a testament to his professionalism.”
Scott Hastings and Dougie Donnelly among speakers at ‘virtual’ dinner for all clubs in Scotland
