Hugo hopes to hold onto Scotland place

Scotland new boy Hugo Southwell admits he is still coming to terms with his sudden rise into the national team – but the Edinburgh player is now desperately keen to keep his place in the side.

The 24-year-old made his debut in Scotland’s summer tour Down Under as a substitute against Samoa before replacing the injured Chris Paterson at full-back in both Test matches against Australia.

Southwell, who is now with Edinburgh permanently after a loan spell from Worcester last season, is hoping Scotland coach Matt Williams will keep faith in him for the forthcoming autumn Tests.

He said: “I didn’t expect what happened to me in Australia. It’s definitely taken me by surprise but I’m obviously happy.

“I came up to Edinburgh on trial for five weeks and it’s all happened from there so it’s very exciting.

“I came up here originally with the hope of eventually playing for Scotland but I didn’t think it would happen as quickly.”