Todd Gleave and Maurice Nwakor trained with the First team squad throughout pre-season and the benefits are already very visible while Harry McCartney came off the bench for the 1st XV during a friendly clash with Esher.

Alex Brown endured a baptism of fire last Friday, coming off the bench during the 1st XV's Greene King IPA Championship match against Bristol.

The players, who will be sponsored throughout the season by London Scottish Academy sponsor Spire Healthcare, signed their agreements at the Club on Monday in the company of President Rod Lynch and Academy Director Corné du Rand.

Rod Lynch said: "These rookie contracts mark another stage in the development of our Academy.

"The four young players are the first of many aspiring professionals who will come on to our books in the coming years as we develop young talent for the London Scottish shirt and beyond that for the national teams.

"Some of these boys have already played A-League rugby on loan at Premiership clubs and I would expect them to be on the bench or even start for the First XV in forthcoming fixtures this season."

Corné du Rand added: "For us as an ambitious club and Academy, this is a great step forward and we are confident that we will deliver a quality product for the professional game.

"We are looking forward to seeing how the boys progress this season."

The Academy bursary will be awarded annually to a group of talented players who will have applied to join the Academy at the beginning of pre-season.

During this period they may train with the First Team or the Academy, taking part in trial matches.

Those awarded the scholarship grant form the Academies Pro Lions Select Group - the top tier of our Academy model - having showed the necessary skill set, potential, character and work ethic needed to progress to professional rugby.

The commitment between the club and the players includes the following:

- the opportunity to train with the 1st XV professional squad

- the opportunity to receive the Club's extensive Strength and Conditioning expertise to further develop their fitness along with specific advice on diet and nutrition

- the opportunity, as part of the Academy, to be loaned to other local National League Clubs to further develop their experience and match skills, all managed by the club

- the chance to have individual skill coaching from our experienced coaching staff and professional players and develop towards a professional career

- further development through the Academy and club playing programme.

For more information on the London Scottish Academy, contact Corné du Rand on corne.durand@londonscottish.com

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