From the age of eight playing his first season of mini rugby, Mike Blair showed he had something special to give to Scottish Rugby. By the time he left Edinburgh Academy aged 18 he had already represented Scotland several times at age group level.

Almost a decade on, Mike, recently named Scotland’s Player of the Year, is in the form of his life. Since making his senior debut against Canada in Scotland’s 2002 summer tour, the scrum half has accumulated 50 caps for his country.

Clearly some have been sweeter than others, with two victories over the Auld Enemy in two years amongst his personal favourites. The 2008 Six Nations also saw Mike achieving any budding rugby player’s dream – the honour of captaining his country.

Mike’s darting runs and quick thinking make him one of Europe’s most exciting rugby players at present, often leaving defences baffled with his intelligent style of play. And having played all but one of the positions in the backs over the years, he has a well-rounded understanding on the game of rugby. As the Edinburgh Rugby captain he is a true leader and plays a huge part in motivating his fellow team mates as well as nurturing up and coming talent to maximise their potential on the pitch.