Scottish teenage sensation Freddy Douglas already on Premiership radar

Scotland wonderkid Freddy Douglas, who won his first international cap against Portugal last weekend, is on the radar of Gallagher Premiership high-fliers Bristol Bears.

Openside flanker Douglas, 19, became Scotland’s youngest cap since Donald White in 1963 when he came off the bench to make a 15-minute cameo in the 59-21 win at Murrayfield.

Edinburgh-born Douglas was educated at Stewart's Melville College and joined the pro academy of his hometown club ahead of the 2023/24 season and was capped by Gregor Townsend before making a senior club appearance.

Edinburgh are blessed with plenty of talent at seven, with Scotland, and British and Lions ace Hamish Watson, Luke Crosbie, Ben Muncaster and Connor Boyle, as well as Douglas, all on their books.

Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel recently said Douglas was “already world-class” and is believed to have spoken to the Bears about a move to the West Country next summer.

Pat Lam has already snapped up Scottish international Tom Jordan from Glasgow Warriors for next season, and it would appear that there is going to be no end to their spending.

But it remains to be seen if they will be able to lure Douglas south of the border. RugbyPass sources in Scotland tell us that interest from the Bears is why he was capped before making an appearance for Edinburgh.

Douglas is doing his best to keep his feet on the ground despite the world-class tag and winning his first cap, which has brought a blaze of publicity.

“I heard about that and I'm obviously buzzing, but hopefully I can just keep working and hopefully eventually get to world-class. Obviously, playing and training with my heroes growing up it's all been a bit crazy.

“But, yeah, just crazy. They've all been so welcoming, and it's not felt like I'm the youngest or that I'm not meant to be here. It just felt so welcoming and special,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News this week.