Matt Scott is to join Scottish Rugby’s Elite Development programme in season 2011/12.
As part of his individual player development plan, the stand-off will be attached to the Edinburgh professional team, playing an integrated role in the main squad as well as receiving individual attention from Edinburgh Elite Development coach Bryan Easson and other specialist coaches.
The 20-year-old has impressed with Currie in the Premiership and British and Irish Cup, and has also represented Scotland at under-19, under-20 and Club International level.
He is nearing the end of the penultimate year of a law degree at Edinburgh University, and will continue his studies next season alongside his Elite Development programme.
Scott today expressed his delight at making the step up, saying: “Being part of the Scottish Rugby Elite Development system represents a massive opportunity for me to keep progressing as a player, and I’m thrilled to be aligned to Edinburgh, my home town team.
“I know I’ll take a huge amount from working and training alongside the quality of player that the club has in their squad, and I feel very fortunate to have been given this chance by Scottish Rugby.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to take advantage of all the opportunities I’ll have to learn, and I really can’t wait to get started.”
Easson echoed Scott’s sentiments, saying: “Matt is a talented guy with a good attitude, and he’ll gain a lot from being a part of the Scottish Rugby Elite Development programme.
“The programme is designed to give young players the variety of support they need to fulfil their potential in the game, and myself and everyone else who will be working with Matt will relish providing that input.”
Further details on the other players who will be part of the Scottish Rugby Elite Development programme next season will be announced in due course.
MATT SCOTT
Stand-off. Born 30 September 1990 in Dunfermline. Height 6ft 2in. Weight 95 kg
Matthew Clive MacCrimmon Scott made replacement appearances in two Scotland under-19 internationals in 2009. His debut was in the 55-13 success against Italy at Lasswade, Edinburgh, in March 2009, followed by the Dourdan match against France a month later.
Before that he played for Edinburgh’s district interstate under-17 and under-18 teams. He was deputy head boy at Currie High School and is now studying law at Edinburgh University.
In 2010, Matthew was selected in the under-20 6 Nations squad and played in all but one match. He went on to feature in that summer's IRB Junior World Championship.
International record: Scotland Club International, u19, u20 (9 caps) W(r) It(r) E(r) I(r) Aus SA T(r) T2(r) I(r)
