Freddy Douglas admits he was ‘buzzing’ to be labelled ‘world-class’ ahead of making his Scotland debut against Portugal. 

Remarkably, the 19-year-old has represented his country before making his professional debut for Edinburgh but he received top-billing from John Dalziel in the build-up. The Scotland forward coach insisted the young flanker was already ‘world-class’ despite the fact that he’d never played professionally. 

Douglas replaced Edinburgh teammate Ben Muncaster for the final 14 minutes of Scotland’s 59-21 win over Portugal in their third Autumn Nations Series test and he was overjoyed. 

“I heard about that and I'm obviously buzzing,” Douglas responded when asked about Dalziel’s praise. “But hopefully I can just keep working and hopefully eventually get to world-class.

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“It’s so exciting being in the squad, you want to get on as soon as you can. Just being in the atmosphere of Murrayfield, it just felt so amazing, and when I eventually did get on, it was the best feeling of my life.

“I remember going on, hugging Benny and that felt amazing. The big thing I remember is just the anthem, singing in front of so many people for my country. It just felt absolutely amazing. I got quite emotional during it and it's something I'll never, ever forget.”

Douglas became the youngest Scotland debutant for 60 years breaking Donald White’s record from 1963. White was in attendance at Murrayfield and they shared a photograph at full-time with Douglas paying tribute to the former Scotland centre. 

“I think it's obviously amazing that I've managed to get to this opportunity, but I don't think age is really what matters,” he said. "If you're good enough, you're old enough. Obviously, meeting Donald was amazing. He was lovely, a wee bit cheeky, but really nice and it was class to see him. He was just quite smiley and I think he did say that he was definitely younger than me.”

Douglas was visibly emotional as Flower of Scotland reverberated around Murrayfield ahead of kick-off. The Edinburgh protege was supported by family and friends in the crowd and he’s been starstruck training with his heroes. 

On walking off the bus at Murrayfield , Douglas added: “Yeah, that was obviously another really big, memorable moment. The noise and the passion from everyone there was incredible. And yeah, had me getting a wee bit emotional again, a big softie. But no, yeah, it was absolutely amazing.

“It's been so surreal. Obviously, playing and training with my heroes growing up, it's all been a bit crazy. They've all been so welcoming and it's not feel like I'm the youngest or that I'm not meant to be here. It just felt so welcoming and special.”

Douglas has been tipped for big things in the future and the new Scotland captain aims to emulate some famous rugby faces that he’s drawn inspiration from. 

“I have quite a few heroes," he added. "Obviously, Hamish Watson, being Scottish, always watched him. It was amazing just training with him, with Edinburgh. So, yeah, he was a big inspiration. Then the likes of when I was growing up was David Pocock for Australia. He was, well, in my opinion, the best player in the world when he was playing.”