A COUNTY rugby starlet is set to embark on a year-long deal with London Scottish, as part of the club's agreement with Scottish Rugby.

Former Preston Lodge and Musselburgh back-row Ally Miller was one of five young Scots to team up with the English Championship club as part of a performance partnership with Scottish Rugby.

Miller, who was a stand-out performer for Scotland U20 as they equalled their best ever finish at the World Rugby U20 Championships earlier this summer.

He and four of his age-grade colleagues are set to benefit from the partnership, which will see them link up with former U20 coaches Sean Lineen [director of rugby] and John Dalziel, who signed last week from Miller's club side, Melrose.

Dalziel will work as forwards coach at the Athletic Ground, and 20-year-old Miller is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: "Most of the guys from Scotland age groups have worked with Sean [Lineen] before; it’s good to have some familiar faces around.

“Hopefully we can add to what is a great squad at Scottish this season.”

The quintet, which includes hooker Cameron Fenton, centre Tom Galbraith, winger Ben Robbins, scrum-half Hugh Fraser and Miller, travelled to London last week and have caught the eye of the Exiles' coaching staff.

Peter Richards, the former England scrum-half who is now London Scottish head coach, said: “The guys have been brilliant and all look like great prospects, so we are excited to have them with us for the 2016/17 season.

“There is great competition among the group for places in our match-day squad, so the addition of these players can only add to what is a very promising year ahead for London Scottish.”

They join former age-grade internationalists Robbie Fergusson and David Cherry among the squad at the Athletic Ground and kick off their season with a friendly at Blackheath next Saturday (August 13).