Wick's Kris Hamilton, who scored a try in his first ever game with Scotland under 19s against Italy in the spring, has been selected for the Highland Institute of Sport this week.

The 18 year old scrum half has played rugby ever since primary school.  A talented all rounder, he was also a keen badminton and squash player before deciding recently to focus on rugby.  

“As the years have gone on rugby has taken up more of my time and I’m concentrating on that one sport now,” said Kris who competes for the Caithness first team and hopes to move up to the Scotland under 20 side when the season resumes in October. 

Said Colin Robertson, Scotland under 19 coach and sportscotland institute of sport Performance Lifestyle Area Coordinator: “Kris had an excellent under 19 national campaign, showing real commitment both in training, game time and his personal organisation off the field.

“He has some real qualities which will come out further in the near future.  He is very sharp with his running skills, very fit and a real competitor.”

Add to those qualities truly astonishing levels of commitment.  Kris travels to Edinburgh on a regular basis for training and competition. And three quarters of the way through a four year apprenticeship at Dounreay, as an instrument mechanic, he has no plans to up root and relocate to the regular action in the Central belt.

“Everything I do is in Edinburgh so it’s miles to travel,” he said.  “It depends what campaign I’m in but its normally once a week.  I used to get trains and buses but now I’ve got my licence so I drive myself.”

By joining the Highland Institute of Sport he will now have access to more support services locally...

Part of the Area Institutes of Sport network, which helps Scottish governing body-identified athletes with world class potential by providing high performance expertise, the Highland Institute of Sport offers athletes access to essential support services locally in sports medicine, sports science, strength and conditioning, and career and lifestyle guidance.

“I had my first meeting with the Highland Institute this week and we discussed what’s going to happen,” said Kris.  “I’m getting a medical done and hopefully everything will be starting very soon.

“I’ve done a lot of strength and conditioning work before and it’s something I concentrate really hard on.  It’s very important to keep yourself conditioned because rugby is a really demanding game.

“Hopefully the training and support from the Highland Institute of Sport will be all the help I need to make it into the under 20 squad, which plays a Six Nations and a World Cup.”

Said Highland Institute of Sport Manager, Chris Hildrey:  "The Highland Institute of Sport is delighted to be working with Kris and the SRU to provide enhanced support that will help Kris achieve his goals. 

“It's especially pleasing that our network can provide quality service provision to athletes from a wide variety of sports from areas right across the Highlands and Islands.  This is something that can only be achieved with the continued support from our local partners such as The Highland Council."