Ex-Biggar ace Fraser Brown is Scotland star

Fraser Brown in action against South Africa (Pic by Gordon Fraser)

Hooker/flanker Brown (26) has helped the Scots secure a quarter-final place by finishing second in Pool B thanks to wins over Japan, USA and Samoa.

Alistair said: “We’ve loved watching Fraser on the clubhouse telly during this tournament. It’s fantastic to have him there. He’s been involved in all four matches – including a start against South Africa.

“We are all very proud of Fraser. There is always a cheer goes up whenever he has come on as a substitute or done something positive.

“Without being blasé, it’s the second time that Biggar has had a former player at the World Cup, with Scott Lawson having played hooker for Scotland at the World Cups of 2007 and 2011.”

Alistair revealed that Fraser – who was raised in Carstairs Village – spent around 14 years at Biggar RFC after joining the club at the age of four. His most prolonged stint within the Biggar ranks came when he starred for the club’s Colts team.

“Fraser was always a very determined young man,” Alistair said.

“He was from a strong rugby family and took his rugby very seriously.

“He played at age group level before his progress was blighted by injury. Quite a bad neck injury threatened to derail his career.”

Glasgow Warriors ace Fraser – who lists Edinburgh among his former clubs – has also represented Scotland at under-18, under-20 and ‘A’ levels.

Fraser’s dad Peter and his brother Duncan played for Biggar 1st XV for several years; his mum Niki turned out for the Biggar Ladies team.

Fraser and his Scotland team-mates qualified for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a nailbiting 36-33 victory over Samoa at Newcastle last Sunday.

“We didn’t play well in that game,” Alistair said.

“The Samoans were playing an open, fast game and we got sucked in and couldn’t control the pace.”

Alistair reckons the Scots will need to play much better to beat Australia in this Sunday’s last eight clash at Twickenham.

He added: “If we play the way we did against Samoa we will lose. But there is everything to play for.”