Memorable night for one of Scottish rugby’s brightest prospects
Jake Dalziel made history for Newcastle Red Bulls by becoming their youngest-ever league debutant on Sunday night.
The highly promising Scotland Under 20 stand-off was a late addition to the Newcastle matchday squad for the PREM clash against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park after replacing Brett Connon on the bench.
Dalziel, who joined Newcastle on an academy contract this summer, where Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend currently serves as a part-time consultant, came on in the 27th minute to replace full-back Harrison Obatoyinbo, who left for a head injury assessment.
At just 18 years and 54 days old, he officially became Newcastle’s youngest-ever PREM player, breaking a 22-year-old record previously held by England legend Mathew Tait.
Dalziel almost made a dream start when his well-judged cross-field kick picked out Werner Kok in acres of space, but a horrible bounce for the wing prevented a certain score. However, the teenager succeeded in setting up a try shortly afterwards when his superb dummy and offload helped create space for Christian Wade to break through for one of his hat-trick of tries.
Dalziel was unable to mark the occasion with a win as Newcastle went down to a 34-28 defeat, but head coach Dan McFarlane hailed the youngster for having a "fantastic debut”, adding: “On 60 minutes, Jake Dalziel’s attempt for a 50/20 went the wrong way of the corner flag for us and that was a crucial moment.”
Regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Scottish rugby, Jake Dalziel is the son of Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel. He became the youngest player to ever represent Scotland Under 20 this year when he turned out for the national youth side aged just 17-years-old.
He started all five games for the Scots during the Six Nations, and made the four-man shortlist for player of the tournament across all six teams. Dalziel came through the ranks at Melrose, where he represented their first XV, and also turned out for Merchiston Castle School.
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