Exile picked for Scotland (From Gazette & Herald)

Exile picked for Scotland

A student at Ampleforth College has taken up the Celtic cry and is to play for Scotland's Under-18s Schools team.

Ben Ainscough, captain of Ampleforth's first XV for the past five years, is originally from Berwick on Tweed. He has been at Ampleforth since the age of eight when he attended the Preparatory School at Gilling.

Head of Games Geoff Thurman said: "Ben is hoping for selection for the Home Nations Tournament. We've had other boys selected, but this is our first Scottish schools cap.

"He captains the first XV and plays for Scottish Exiles. He had trials with them, and was then selected for the Scotland team."

Ben follows in the footsteps of former Ampleforth pupils picked for national sides, such as Lawrence Dallaglio and the Easterby brothers, not to mention the College's director of rugby John Liley, who is a former England player.

He has already played in game against Scotland A and the North of England squad, along with a French Schools team. He is to play against Irish Youth in Dublin this weekend.

Updated: 14:53 Wednesday, March 29, 2006