Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, a 20-year-old prop from Edinburgh, is on the cusp of making history by potentially following in the footsteps of Zander Fagerson and making his Scotland debut at just 20 years old. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering he only made his senior bow for Edinburgh in late November and signed his first professional deal in December. What makes this story even more intriguing is the fact that he is still eligible to play for Scotland's Under-20s at the Junior World Championship in Georgia. If Gregor Townsend includes Blyth-Lafferty in his senior squad, it would be a bold move, as Scotland has struggled to build depth at the prop position. Personally, I think this is a fascinating development, as it raises the question of whether Scotland is preparing for the future or simply trying to fill a gap in the present. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Blyth-Lafferty to become the next big thing in Scottish rugby. With a height of 1.92m (6ft 3in) and a weight of 136kg (21st 6lb), he has the physical attributes to succeed at the highest level. However, it is his mental fortitude and work ethic that truly sets him apart. Blyth-Lafferty has been learning on the hoof, and his support system, including Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt and Scotland scrum coach Pieter de Villiers, has been instrumental in his development. In my opinion, Blyth-Lafferty's progress has been nothing short of remarkable. He has started nine of his 14 matches since his debut, which is more than his Edinburgh team-mate Darcy Rae and Edinburgh's other senior tighthead Paul Hill. This is a testament to his hard work and dedication. However, it is not just his on-field performance that is impressive. Blyth-Lafferty's ability to learn from his mistakes and adapt to different situations is a key strength. He has been brought off the bench in two of his starts, and at half-time in two more, either as a strategic move or in response to the match situation. This shows his maturity and understanding of the game. What this really suggests is that Blyth-Lafferty is a player who is not only physically gifted but also mentally tough. He is a player who is ready to take on the challenge of international rugby and make a name for himself. If he can hold his own against a fully-loaded French team like Toulon, as he did at home, then the future certainly does look bright for him. However, it is important to note that he is still a young player and has a lot of physical development to do within his game. In conclusion, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty is a player to watch in the future of Scottish rugby. His progress has been remarkable, and his potential to become a key player for Scotland is undeniable. However, it is important to remember that he is still a young player and has a lot of work to do to reach his full potential. From my perspective, this story is a reminder that sometimes the most promising players are the ones who are not getting the most attention. Blyth-Lafferty is a player who deserves more recognition, and I am excited to see what the future holds for him.
