McVie and Blyth-Lafferty delighted as Scotland U20s return to top division

Edinburgh Rugby Academy players Euan McVie and Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, both key contributors to the victory, were thrilled with the performance.

Lock McVie, who scored a hat-trick in the final, praised the team spirit and the importance of promotion.

“It was special,” McVie said. “Such a good group and I think two years of hard work paid off, so incredibly excited.”

He stressed the impact this return will have on the development of the younger players: “There are guys who have two years left in them and are already performing in the under-20s, it’s just incredible.

“In Scottish rugby we need that for the development of the under-20s. We need to show ourselves on the big stage and there is no better way to do that than playing against teams like New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and the big leagues.”

McVie also couldn’t stress enough the importance of the enthusiastic Scottish crowd at the Hive Stadium, home of Edinburgh Rugby.

“The fans have been incredible, I’m speechless,” he admitted. “The fans make it so much easier. They play a massive role and we can’t do it without them.”

Blyth-Lafferty, who shared the moment of victory with his younger brother Olly, reflected on the team’s journey.

“The whole tournament was really fun,” Blyth-Lafferty said. “We’re a pretty tight group this year, so it was fun. The results were good too, especially doing it with my little brother. It was really fun.”

He echoed McVie’s sentiments about the promotion: “Absolutely delighted to get the boys back into Tier 1 rugby, especially Ollie (Bly-Lafferty, his younger brother). I’m going to see them competing head-to-head with some of the best junior players in the world next year.”