Ryan Andrew John McConnell was in the Scotland team who beat Italy in the under-19 international in Parabagio, near Milan, in February 2008, and he made his under-20 international debut a year later as a replacement in the Chalon-sur-Saone match against France. Further replacement appearances followed against Ireland and England.

Previously, he played for the Borders at under-16, under-17, and under-18 levels.

As a hooker, he is following in the footsteps of his father and uncles. Ryan, a former pupil of St Ronan’s Primary (Innerleithen) and Peebles High School, is a member of Scottish Rugby’s National Academy and is studying carpentry and joinery at Borders College.