Scotland call up another Highland youngster
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ANOTHER Highland starlet is ecstatic after receiving the call to represent his country.
Inverness Royal Academy pupil Lyall Archer is in the under-16 squad to face Newcastle Falcon’s under-16s at Murrayfield this Sunday.
This warm-up fixture will be followed by a hectic schedule of games against teams representing northern England, southern England and France.
It follows Ruaridh Knott’s debut with the under-17s against England at the weekend.
“When I received confirmation that I reached the final squad I was absolutely ecstatic,” said 16-year-old Archer.
“Fitting in all of the hard work for rugby and school has been difficult but I am glad that it has paid off.”
It follows Scottish Rugby Union pathway selection last summer and earning a spot in the Caledonia team.
The loose head proper, who wears the number one jersey, is one of Highland’s longest serving juniors having started playing as a mini when at primary school and now wants to move through the ranks at a national level.
“I would love the opportunity to continue playing rugby through the Scotland age grade process and eventually play professionally,” commented Archer, who praised his coaches at Highland, Caledonia, the Highlands and Islands Institute of Sport and the SRU, as well as his family for their support.
“This will take continuous commitment and maximum effort but I think that if you work hard enough anything is possible.”
A spokesman for Highland said Archer’s success should be an inspiration to all the other players involved in the club’s youth program of what can be achieved with dedication, commitment and hard work.
“Highland Rugby Club may not be the biggest in Scotland but can be proud of what we achieve with our youth development,” he said.
> More in Tuesday's Courier.
