By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2024-11-17 10:24:53 | Updated at 2024-11-17 13:54:44
3 hours ago
When Freddy Douglas came off the bench in the 65th minute of Scotland's 59-21 win over Portugal on Saturday, he achieved something remarkable.
The 19-year-old back-rower is yet to make a competitive appearance in club rugby, but he made his Test bow at Murrayfield, becoming the youngest man to represent Scotland since Donald White in 1963.
Gregor Townsend rotated his squad for the third match of Scotland's Autumn Nations Series, also handing debuts to Alex Samuel and Douglas' Edinburgh teammate Ben Muncaster, but it was Douglas who captured Murrayfield's attention most of all.
In the modern era, where selection is driven by stats and cold-hard evidence, this was a refreshing throwback - a selection based on raw talent and excitement at what the future might bring.
"Obviously you're so excited and being in the squad, you want to get on as soon as you can," Douglas said post-match.
"When I eventually did get on, it was the best feeling of my life.
"The big thing I remember is just the anthem, singing in front of so many people for my country just felt amazing. I got quite emotional during it and it's something I'll never ever forget."
Despite his lack of club rugby, Douglas has been earmarked as a hot prospect for some time now.
He was Scotland's standout player in the Under-20 Six Nations, making the most tackles and breakdown steals in the tournament, and it is a mark of how highly Townsend and Scotland rate him that he was thrust into the international arena so young.
And yet, when he was introduced, to the acclaim and excitement of the Murrayfield crowd, he was not overawed by the scale of it all.
"I thought he was really mature on two or three occasions," former Scotland's record point-scorer Chris Paterson said.
"You've got that burst of energy, it's your first cap, you're known for turnovers; his decision-making, knowing when to go in was really mature. He listened to the referee."
Douglas played down his lack of experience and says White - who was at Murrayfield as a spectator - was keen to remind him that he isn't the youngest player to pull on the dark blue of Scotland.
"I don't think age is really what matters," Edinburgh-born Douglas added. "If you're good enough, you're old enough.
"Meeting Donald was amazing. He was lovely, wee bit cheeky but really nice. Class to see him. He did say that he was definitely younger than me!"
Douglas - who looked up to Hamish Watson and David Pocock growing up - credited the staff and players in the national set-up with making his transition to senior level a smooth one.
With Scotland A facing Chile on Saturday before the Wallabies visit Murrayfield on Sunday, Douglas could well be back in a Scotland strip before long.
"[International rugby] is a big step up," he said. "A lot quicker, a lot more physical.
"Playing and training with my heroes growing up, it's all been a bit crazy. They've all been so welcoming.
"It's not felt like I'm the youngest or I'm not meant to be here. It's just felt so welcoming and special."
