Alexandria’s Duncan Munn has been labelled as the perfect example of where hard work and dedication can lead, after the 18-year-old was called up by Scotland for the under-20s Six Nations.
The former Loch Lomond player, who now plays for Boroughmuir Bears, was named in Kenny Murray’s 30-man squad for the tournament - which starts on Friday when Scotland host England in Edinburgh.
And yesterday (Wednesday) Duncan was named in the starting lineup for the clash, which is live on the BBC iPlayer.
Duncan started his rugby career in Loch Lomond’s mini teams, progressing through the age groups before being selected for Scotland youth sides, featuring for Glasgow Warriors’ development team and even being rewarded for his commitment to the sport with a scholarship at Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow.
Last September he made his senior rugby debut for Edinburgh’s Boroughmuir Bears in the fiercely competitive Super6 series.
And Loch Lomond’s Iain Norrie revealed Duncan never forgets his roots, with brothers Gregor and Lewis both players at the Bonhill side – whilst dad, John, and mum Angela are still heavily involved in running the club.
Iain told the Lennox: “We’re delighted and very proud of Duncan. He shows where you can get with dedication and hard work.
“He’s still down and involved coaching the younger age groups fairly frequently. A couple of weeks ago he came to help me line the pitches at the club for the younger age groups on his day off from the Warriors.
“Throughout the summer he was still the guy cutting the grass. He’s not moved on from the club and forgotten where it all started. That speaks volumes.
“He’s a very grounded boy and he’s still a major part of Loch Lomond, which he always will be.
“We’re all really proud of him, his parents, his family and everyone who has put in time and effort to get to that stage.
“That pathway is now there for players at clubs like Loch Lomond, and it clearly works.
“We’re not a renowned rugby team, but since Duncan has started his journey we now have an excellent reputation. We host great days out for kids and we have a great reputation now. But that’s taken a long time to build up. Duncan has been part of the team that has helped to do that.
“The pathway has put him in front of the right people. He has impressed them, and then moved him to the next stage where he’s continued to impress.
“His attitude and dedication to his sport has allowed him to move on.”
For Iain, Duncan’s achievements reflect the hours of hard work and dedication put in by Loch coaches over the years.
He continued: “We don’t have the best facilities or anything like that, but we have an outstanding group of coaches who have invested in players.
“People have given their time and skills to help develop young players like Duncan.
“He’s advanced himself after that, but it’s been excellent. It shows where hard work can take you, especially in an area that’s not really known across Scotland for its rugby. It’s quite an achievement.
“I’ve seen comments on social media from some of his first coaches. It’s just a good feeling for everyone involved.
“You can put a lot into coaching kids and it’s nice when you see something as special as that.”
And he has no doubts that the former Vale of Leven Academy pupil would take running out against England in his stride if selected.
He added: “I think he’d handle the pressure and the surroundings well.
“I went to the second game he played at Boroughmuir Bears, as an 18-year-old he was playing against seasoned professionals and he took that in his stride.
“He was one of the standout players in the Super6 this year, and that’s the pathway into professional rugby with Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh, or whoever.
“He’s grasped every opportunity that he’s been given. I’ve absolutely no doubt that, if he gets into the team on a matchday, then he’ll grasp that opportunity.
“He’s so focused when he’s on the pitch. He’s worked so hard to get there. I have no doubt at all that he’ll excel if he’s given the opportunity to start.”
Iain now hopes that other people will be inspired by Duncan’s success, and the upcoming Six Nations, to get involved with rugby.
“It’s a great time for young players to get involved with rugby,” he continued.
“Covid has had a massive impact on all sports clubs. We’re really keen to increase our numbers at all age groups – from P1 to senior rugby.
“We’re really keen on that. We’ll be telling Duncan’s story on social media to help get people involved.
“It shows that, from starting out at a small club, you can progress. Duncan’s now on the cusp of achieving something that nobody involved at the club has ever done by representing Scotland.
“He’s a boy who was at the Vale of Leven Academy up until a few years ago, his brothers still are.
“They are a well-known local family and his success is a feel-good story for the whole area.
“He’s now joining a very elite group of people in this country. It gives you a bit of pride and sense of achievement that we’ve been involved in that.”
All of Scotland’s Under-20 Six Nations matches will be broadcast on the BBC iPlayer.
Scotland will play their second game of the championship against Wales on Friday, February 11 in Colwyn Bay (kick-off 8pm) followed by a return to Edinburgh’s DAM Health Stadium when they host France on Friday, February 25 (kick-off 8pm).
Their tournament will conclude with away fixtures against Italy on Friday, March 11 in Treviso (kick-off 7pm GMT) and in Ireland on Sunday, March 20 at Musgrave Park, Cork (kick-off 5pm).
Head Coach Kenny Murray said: “Having just stepped into this role I have been impressed by the players’ commitment, intensity and skill-set during our camp this week.
“I watched a lot of the Super6 last year and have had the chance to work with some of these players in the Glasgow Warriors setting already, so I know what they are capable of.”
For more information on Loch Lomond visit the club’s Facebook page Facebook.com/LochLomondRugbyClub/.
