MASON Nicholls will make his international debut for Scotland this weekend.

The 18-year-old back row has been included in Scotland’s under-19 squad for Sunday’s clash with Wales at the Centre of Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.

And Mason’s father Craig cannot wait to see his son step onto the pitch.

“Mason is very laid back and is just taking everything in his stride but we’re bouncing off the walls about it and we’re all so proud of what he’s achieved,” said Craig.

“It’s just another day and another game for Mason but we’re all very excited about it, especially as we all know how hard he’s worked for it.

“He’s had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way and there are plenty of things he’s had to miss out on.

“He hasn’t been able to go to all the parties his friends do and he hasn’t been able to get a part-time job either because he’s always playing rugby.”

Mason, who lives in Thorpe Bay and is a former Shoeburyness High School pupil, first started playing rugby for Southend before switching to Westcliff who he lined up for in the under-16s.

However, Mason’s skills soon attracted attention elsewhere and he remains part of the Wasps Academy which also sees him studying on the AASE programme at the City of Oxford College.

“We have to thank the AASE programme for what they have done to help Mason,” said Craig.

“It was originally at Henley but it’s now moved to Oxford and it’s been great for Mason.”

Mason has worked closely with former Southend director of rugby Kevin Harman who is now part of the backroom team at Wasps.

And Mason - who qualifies to play for Scotland due his grandmother - will be bidding to stay in the squad for next year’s under-20 Six Nations which get underway in February.

“The squad has been put together with the under-20 Six Nations in mind,” explained Craig.

“There were originally 39 players in it before it was cut down to 24.

“Mason has been flying out at the weekends to train and has now been told he’s made the matchday squad.

“We don’t know if he will start the game or if he will be on the bench but either way it’s going to be great.”