Dave Cherry's dedication set to be rewarded with first Scotland cap at the age of 30

Gregor Townsend has praised hooker Dave Cherry for his persistence and dedication and rewarded the Edinburgh man with a place on the bench for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham.

Cherry has represented Scotland ten times at under-20 level but at the age of 30 he may have feared his chance of a full cap had gone.

However, he is now in line to feature as a replacement in the Scots’ Six Nations opener.

Injuries to frontline hookers Fraser Brown and Stuart McInally mean Glasgow’s George Turner will start in the No 2 jersey against England, with Cherry as back-up

“It is a big achievement for him,” said Townsend, the Scotland coach. “He’s had to show patience and resilience over the years – and wait for opportunities.

“But that perseverance has paid off. He’s played really well for Edinburgh and can’t wait to play.

“We know he can make a big impact off the bench. He’s a very good jackaller and he’s very fast. In attack and defence, we’ve got two hookers who are explosive and really good defenders.”

Dave Cherry, right, is on the bench for Scotland's Calcutta Cup clash with England. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS

Cherry was captain of Scotland under-18 side, then progressed to the under-20s but struggled to win a professional contract in Scotland.

A product of Merchiston Castle School, he played for Currie, then went to university before having another stab at the pro game, this time with more success.

He played in the English Championship with London Scottish and then at Stade Nicois in the French lower divisions before returning to sign for Edinburgh in 2018.

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