Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat congratulated Chris Paterson on being selected for his 100th match for Scotland this weekend (13 February, kick off 2pm, live on BBC One) and says the full-back’s chief trait which has always stood out has been his perfectionist streak.
The 31-year-old was first coached by Moffat while a schoolboy at Galashiels Academy before embarking on a professional career which saw him earn his inaugural Test cap in 1999.
Since then Paterson has evolved into becoming the best goal-kicker in the global game and one of Scottish rugby’s all-time greats and Moffat believes that is largely down to his work ethic.
Moffat said: “What has always stood out with Chris is the way he has gone about his business. Chris is as enthusiastic now as he was when he was 17 and that says a lot about him.
“He is a very determined character and he wants to be first. He is competitive and he always works hard on his game.
“He has got a lot of talent, but he has got a great work ethic and he is always looking to improve.
“With that attitude towards training and playing, he has achieved more than any other Scottish rugby player in terms of caps and points.
“Chris has worked very hard to justly get the rewards he has received. To get 100 caps is a magnificent achievement and, whatever happens in the future, there won’t be too many that reach that milestone.”
