NORTH Berwick rugby ace Lewis Carmichael is “absolutely loving” his time in Australia after making his debut at the weekend – lining up against arguably the best player in the world at his position.

Lock Carmichael, a former pupil at North Berwick High School, signed a short-term loan deal from Edinburgh Rugby to play Super Rugby for Australian outfit Western Force, who are based in Perth.

And he made his debut in the 7-16 defeat to New Zealand franchise The Chiefs on Saturday morning.

That match saw the 21-year-old, who celebrates his birthday next week, line up directly opposite superstar Brodie Retallick – the the 2014 World Rugby World Player of the Year – and his fellow All Black lock Dominic Bird.

Carmichael joined Ross Haylett Petty – brother of Wallaby cap Dane – in the Western Force second row.

The North Berwick starlet, (pictured below in Edinburgh Rugby action, by Alastair Ross) told Courier Sport: “It was a great experience.

“It doesn’t really get much better than getting the opportunity to start against The Chiefs and it was great to be able to play against some of the best players in the world.”

East Lothian Courier:

Despite the Kiwi franchise’s locking duo having 62 Test caps, and Retallick being a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Carmichael insisted that he was not overawed by his opposition.

“When you’re playing the game it’s the last thing you think about,” he said.

“You just need to concentrate on your own game.

“There’s a great group of boys here at The Force and they have welcomed me very well.

Despite defeat, Carmichael told Courier Sport he was “absolutely loving” the experience of playing in Australia.

The 6ft 5in second row, who turned out for North Berwick RFC as a youngster, admitted that life in Australia had taken some getting used to

“It’s a huge change to back home weather-wise, so that’s taken me a bit of getting used to for training,” he said.

While his first game of rugby lasted only 20 minutes before he sustained a head injury, the lock is hopeful that his second will go better. I played one game of club rugby but got a head knock after 20 minutes – it wasn’t my moment,” he said.

Carmichael has retained his place in the starting XV, as the Force prepare to take on defending champions The Lions on Saturday. 

The 21-year-old added: “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to be playing rugby over here.”