Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, a 20-year-old prop, is on the cusp of a remarkable rugby career. With his eyes set on following in the footsteps of Zander Fagerson, Blyth-Lafferty is making waves in the sport, despite his relatively short time in the professional game. His journey began with a senior debut for Edinburgh in November, followed by a professional contract in December, all within a few months. But what's truly impressive is his rapid progress and the attention he's attracting from the Scotland national team.
A Rising Star in Rugby
Blyth-Lafferty's talent is undeniable. Standing at 1.92m (6ft 3in) and weighing 136kg (21st 6lb), he possesses the physical attributes of a top-tier prop. His performance against the Dragons, as noted by scrum coach Pieter de Villiers, showcased his potential. De Villiers' feedback highlights Blyth-Lafferty's ability to hold his own against seasoned professionals, indicating a promising future.
Learning from the Best
One of Blyth-Lafferty's idols is Ramiro Herrera, a tighthead prop for Argentina. He admires Herrera's mindset and style of play, which has influenced his own approach to scrums. This admiration for international rugby stars is a testament to his dedication and ambition.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite his impressive progress, Blyth-Lafferty has faced challenges. He has been brought off early in some matches, and his coach, Sean Everitt, acknowledges that he's still learning. Everitt's patience and guidance have been crucial in Blyth-Lafferty's development, ensuring he learns from his mistakes and focuses on his strengths.
A Bright Future Ahead
Everitt believes Blyth-Lafferty has the potential to excel at a higher level. His ability to hold his own against top French teams like Toulon is a significant achievement for a 20-year-old. However, Everitt also emphasizes the need for physical development and improvement, which is a common challenge for young props.
Conclusion: A Star in the Making
In my opinion, Blyth-Lafferty's journey is a fascinating one. His rapid rise in rugby, combined with his dedication to learning from the best, makes him a star in the making. While he has a long way to go, his potential is undeniable, and the rugby world will be watching his progress with great interest.
