When Hawick’s Stuart Hogg made his international debut for Scotland this season he was aged just 19 – something he had in common with probably the Mansfield Park club’s greatest player, Jim Renwick.
The latter would go on to win 52 caps for his country and tour with the 1980 British Lions to South Africa.
But whereas Renwick had to wait eight years after his first Scotland cap for a call-up to the Lions, for Hogg it has only been a matter of a few short months.
But don’t let talk of a “meteoric rise” throw you; Hogg has been waiting and working almost all of his young life for this chance.
Steeped in the traditions of Hawick rugby, he comes from a club long-regarded as one of the greatest in Scottish rugby.
The coaching and nurturing he received from legends such as Renwick helped Hogg earn a professional contract with Glasgow Warriors and selection for Scotland, quickly followed by his chance to join an elite band of only 11 other Hawick players who have worn the famous red jersey of the Lions.
Described as a credit to his hometown this week by local sporting and civic leaders, hopefully Hogg’s example will inspire other youngsters to do well.
And if the Lions can roar their way to a test series win in Australia next month, we’re sure it will have a touch of a Teri accent about it.