GULLANE’S Finn Hobbis is targeting regular game time after being named in the Scotland U20 squad for this year’s Six Nations.

Hobbis was last week named in the 28-man squad by new head coach Stevie Scott. 

The 19-year-old prop, who plays his club rugby for Watsonians following a season with Stewart’s Melville, has made 10 appearances in the BT Premiership this season.

He follows the likes of fellow East Lothian stars Lewis Carmichael, Callum Hunter-Hill, Ally Miller and Tommy Spinks in turning out for the U20s. 

The ex-North Berwick High School pupil told Courier Sport: “I’m very pleased to be in the squad – it is an honour to have an opportunity to represent my country.

“It’s been a goal since starting rugby to represent my country at age grade level and, with the help of being on the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy, hopefully the Six Nations is the time to complete my goal.”

Hobbis, whose favoured position is on the loosehead side of the scrum, has praised the impact of his club coaches, ex-Scotland hooker Stevie Lawrie and current Edinburgh Rugby hooker Neil Cochrane – himself part of the senior Scotland squad – on the development of his game.

Hobbis said: “It has been great having both Stevie and Neil coaching at Watsonians. 

“As a former and current professional it great to get the knowledge that they have from the game for them and it also good to see their professional behaviour and how they are in and around the club. 

“It’s helped my development as a young prop; as front-row forwards they know a lot about the scrum and that has been another big step up from any level that I have played before.”

The teenager has set himself the target of getting in the 23-man matchday squads, starting with the young Scots’ opening match against Wales at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, taking place tomorrow (Friday). 

“From there I’m looking to impress the coaches and show them my abilities,” he said, adding: “Hopefully with that I can prove to the that I can be a contender for a place in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship squad.”

Hobbis said training was “good” ahead of their opening game, adding: “It’s a great bunch of guys we have and we all get on really well on and off the training field. 

“I think getting on as a group will allow us to be in a good place going into the games. 

“There’s a good team morale and we’re all willing to work for each other to get the best out of each other, so we can do the best we can in the upcoming Six Nations.”

North Berwick’s Cameron Hutchison, who was a mainstay of the side 12 months ago, misses out this time round through injury.

Rory Darge, not initially named in the squad, is in the matchday 23 for the game against Wales.

Scotland’s U20 Six Nations campaign kicks off against Wales this evening (Friday) before a home game with France at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, next Friday (February 9).

The young Scots’ other home match is at Myreside, where Hobbis plays his club rugby, and is against England U20 on Friday, February 23.