Pro-academy profile: Douglas learning from the best

Learning from the likes of Hamish Watson, Jamie Ritchie and Connor Boyle, Edinburgh’s back-row is stacked with 7s with bags of talent – an ideal situation for any young player looking to soak it all in and make his mark in the pro game.

From Stew Mel to the pro stage

Douglas’s journey began at the city’s Stewart’s Melville College, where he honed his skills at seven and developed a deep-rooted passion for the game.

“Stew Mel is my team and I wouldn’t play for anyone else,” Douglas enthused.

“We got to the Final against Merchiston Castle at Murrayfield my first year in the first XV. It was amazing, even though we didn’t win. But it was a great experience.”

Douglas is tackled during the 2022 Schools Cup Final

Finding his feet in a pro environment

Moving from school rugby to a professional environment was a significant step for Douglas.

However, he has adapted seamlessly, thriving under the guidance of experienced players and coaches.

“Training with the seniors, the pace and the physicality, you get better so quick,” he explained. “It’s been unreal. I’ve improved as a rugby player tenfold.”

Douglas has identified his defensive prowess as a key strength, but he’s also working hard to improve his attacking skills.

“I’d like to say I could play anywhere in the back row, but to be honest I think I’m an out and out seven,” he said.

Looking up to Hamish Watson

One player who has significantly influenced Douglas’s development is club centurion and British & Irish Lion, Hamish Watson.

“Hamish was probably one of my big heroes growing up,” he admitted. “It’s mental to be sharing a pitch with him.”

Douglas even received a special message from Watson for his 12^th birthday.

“My mates messaged him on Instagram being like, ‘Freddie really looks up to you, would you like to say a happy birthday to him?’ And then he sent me a video. It was the best birthday present.”

“Mish and David Pocock were the two guys that I watched, and then I tried to play like them. I did have a mullet for a short period too…”

Douglas and Ollie Blyth-Lafferty after winning the World Rugby U20 Trophy

Breakthrough at U20 Level

Douglas made a name for himself at the U20 level, particularly during the 2024 U20 Six Nations.

Coming up against England’s highly-rated openside, Henry Pollock, Douglas put in a huge shift at Hive Stadium, earning plaudits from both rugby media and supporters.

“I loved that battle. I love playing against England,” he recalled. “It would have been nice to win that game, but we’re at home in front of so many Scottish people, so it was great.”

Game day focus and measuring success

Douglas has a unique approach to game day preparation.

“I’m a completely different person when it comes to game day,” he revealed. “I’m just a lot more focused. I listen to stuff with no lyrics. I completely chill out.”

As for his goals for the upcoming season, Douglas is keen to make his Edinburgh Rugby debut and continue his development.

“I would love to make my Edinburgh Rugby debut, it would be an absolute dream come true,” he said. “It would be really tough to break through, but I would absolutely love to, and I might get lucky.”