Douglas signs first professional deal

Back-row Freddy Douglas today penned his first professional contract with Edinburgh Rugby, the 19-year-old stepping up to a two-year senior deal from the club’s pro-academy.

The flanker has enjoyed a whirlwind few weeks, earning his Scotland debut in the Autumn Nations Series and winning Player of the Match for Scotland ‘A’ against Chile, before capping off the month with a debut for his boyhood club to become Edinburgh’s 1336th player.

Douglas, a product of Stewart’s Melville College, featured from the bench in Saturday’s win against Benetton Rugby for his first capital minutes, having impressed for both Scotland U20 and Edinburgh Rugby ‘A’.

On signing his first pro-deal, he said: “This is my childhood club, and I live 15 minutes up the road. I have really fond memories of coming to watch Edinburgh play, including some of the guys that are still here, so it’s pretty crazy to be sharing a field with them now.

“It’s a dream come true. I’m super delighted. It’s all happened so quickly but I’ve been so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. Everyone has been really supportive and I’m really enjoying being part of the environment.”

Douglas has been building a reputation as an exceptional jackaller, regularly pilfering opposition ball – registering his 16th turnover of the season against Benetton, having been a regular breakdown nuisance for Edinburgh ‘A’ and earning three turnovers in his standout performance against Chile for Scotland ‘A’.

The blistering form is a continuation of Freddy’s first season in the pro-academy, where he secured 61 turnovers across the Super Series, U20 Six Nations, and Scotland’s Junior World Trophy winning campaign at Hive Stadium.

The openside was a standout performer during the U20 Six Nations, finishing as the tournament’s top tackler with 92 tackles made, and topped with turnover charts with 13 across the five matches.

On Douglas’ deal, Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “I’m delighted for Freddy. He’s an incredibly hard-working individual and looks to improve his game every day he comes into training.

“We’re happy with how he’s developing. His talent at the breakdown is obvious to see but he offers a lot of physicality elsewhere around the park.

“It’s also great to have a guy that has grown up supporting this club break through into the team, representing his hometown club.”