Ashe's delight at cross-continental call-up

Back rower Ashe has spent the last few months in Christchurch, experiencing the Canterbury RFU International High Performance Unit and playing for a local club as recipient of the Macphail Scholarship.

But he now finds himself in South Africa after being handed a call-up to the Scotland squad, despite having just one RaboDirect PRO12 appearance off the bench to his name in the season just gone.

And while crossing the Atlantic has undoubtedly taken its toll, 20-year-old Ashe admits he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I was over in New Zealand obviously on the Macphail Scholarship and I got the call early Thursday morning and it's good to be here," he said.

"A couple of early wake-ups the last couple of mornings and I am still adjusting to the sleep pattern but I am sure after a couple of days I will be back to normal.

"It's been really good so far in New Zealand. I have learnt a lot in the two months I have been there, it is a really good programme they have got over there and I have to go back for a few more weeks after this but I am really enjoying it.

"It is a really good opportunity as I am playing for a good team over there, playing with a good bunch of lads who are all young and willing to learn so it is a good environment to be in.

"The majority of the boys here are all Glasgow boys so it is good to see so many familiar faces after quite a long time away.

"I am really looking forward to it, it will be a good learning experience to be over with the boys and I will learn a lot I'm sure."

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