Edinburgh debutant Scott has got the law on his side degree

A MAN’S ability to multi-task is reputedly non-existent, yet such a stereotype is certainly not applicable to young Edinburgh starlet Matt Scott.

The fly-half/centre, who made his full Edinburgh debut in the 15-38 defeat to Cardiff in their RaboDirect Pro 12 opener on Friday evening, has reached a crucial juncture in his rugby playing career as he attempts to earn his first full time professional contract, as well as completing his final year as a law student at Edinburgh University.

Despite the obvious attraction of heading whole-heartedly into the rugby world, Scott is doing his best to keep a level head with regards to his studies, admitting that they retain a degree of importance, despite his rugby breakthrough. “As an elite development player, I am ultimately looking to gain a full-time professional contract but my main aim is to finish my law degree and meanwhile, try and become a better rugby player,” he said.

While he admitted that the task of managing both a full-time degree and a full-on rugby schedule will be demanding, the former Currie HS pupil believes he has the tools to combine both successfully. “It’s tough studying and training,” he admitted. “I’ve not actually started back at university yet but I have had a bit of experience with that while playing for Scotland under-20s. Then, I was missing loads of classes, then coming back and finding I was miles behind everyone else. It is tough balancing it, but I have done three years now and I think I have found the right balance. I just need to get my head down this year.”

But Scott praised the support networks available to him, acknowledging that they make his predicament a lot easier. “There is a good setup at Edinburgh, we have a lifestyle manager who is always in contact with the universities, letting them know our schedule, so there is a lot of support.”

Playing in a winning side enhances the career prospects, a fact not lost on Scott, who accepted that the elation of his debut day had been tapered by the manner of Edinburgh’s loss. “We are bitterly disappointed,” he said. “Losing at home is not an ideal start but there are some positives to take from the match.”