A NERVOUS Rory Darge has described his Scotland debut as “an unbelievable experience”, despite going down to defeat in Wales.

The Glasgow Warriors man was brought on with the scores level at 17-17 in the Six Nations clash in Cardiff on Saturday but Dan Biggar’s drop goal ensured Scotland failed to build on last weekend’s Calcutta Cup triumph against England.

Darge had been named on the Scotland bench for the first time by Gregor Townsend as the Scots looked to end a miserable record in the Welsh capital – just 10 wins since 1886.

However, despite the 20-17 loss, it was a memorable occasion for former North Berwick High School pupil Darge.

He said: “Saturday’s match was an unbelievable experience, making my debut for Scotland and it went by pretty quickly.

“I was nervous all day and then at night I was nervous trying to get to sleep.

“Once I was actually on the bench for some reason I was alright and the nerves kind of dissipated.

“I was more sort of watching the game and soaking up the atmosphere.

East Lothian Courier: Rory Darge (right) made his Scotland debut in the Six Nations defeat to Wales on Saturday while Grant Gilchrist was picking up cap number 50. Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNSRory Darge (right) made his Scotland debut in the Six Nations defeat to Wales on Saturday while Grant Gilchrist was picking up cap number 50. Picture: Scottish Rugby/SNS

“Thankfully it was just a quick ‘Darge, you’re on’ and then I went down, took my warm-up kit off and ran straight on rather than a lot of waiting about and saying ‘you’re coming on in five minutes’ or whatever.

“It happened so quickly so that helped a bit with the nerves as well.

“And then the time that I was on the pitch went by so fast.

“I think I got on about the 60-minute mark and it just flew by.”

Darge, of Aberlady, was introduced for the final 18 minutes as he replaced Jonny Gray.

The Scots had never been able to shake off their hosts, with the scores level at 14-14 at the half-time interval.

 

The scores were locked at 17-17 when Darge entered the fray but Biggar, who also kicked four penalties, would have the final word.

The result leaves Scotland fourth in the table – a point adrift of both England and Ireland.

France, the only unbeaten side left in the tournament after two rounds of fixtures, visit BT Murrayfield next Saturday (February 26).

Flanker Darge, who turns 22 on Wednesday, added: “I had a lot of my family down at the game and seeing them when I was singing the anthem was a special feeling as they’ve done so much to help me get to this stage in my career.

“The result was obviously really disappointing but we now need to focus on the France game at BT Murrayfield.

“When I was at the England game, the fans were incredible, so to be able to play there would be a dream come true and that’s a big aim of mine now.”