Double trouble for Portugal as Scotland’s twins make history

Gregor and Lewis Young became the first twin brothers to represent Scotland at the same time in the modern era in the final leg of the IRB Sevens World Series at Twickenham.

Lewis Young, right, and his twin brother Gregor represented Scotland on Saturday. Ian Kington / AFP
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LONDON // Gregor and Lewis Young made history when they became the first twin brothers to represent Scotland at the same time in the modern era in the final leg of the IRB Sevens World Series at Twickenham.

And the duo went one better than that in their Pool D clash against Portugal on Saturday, with both brothers running in a try in the Scots’ 31-5 mauling of Portugal.

Gregor already has five World Series appearances to his name but for Lewis this was an international debut and the 22 year old conceded it was something of a dream come true to have his sibling alongside him.

“It has certainly helped. Especially having him around all week so it has helped me with my preparation and has given me confidence,” he said.

“To make your debut and know that your brother is watching on gives you a massive boost, because he will be on my back if I don’t perform.

“When we see one another score, it feels like we have scored the try ourselves, so it is absolutely excellent.”

The Young twins currently play for Jed-Forest in the Scottish borders after coming through the ranks together and they both played alongside each in this year’s Hong Kong Tens for the Scottish Exiles.

The closest twin brothers to date in representing Scotland were Jim and Finlay Calder. Jim won his last cap in 1985 and Finlay his first in 1986.

And this slice of history for the Young brothers was made all the more special with their family in the stands at a sold-out Twickenham.

“With them cheering us on and having each other within the team it gives me extra motivation,” Gregor added.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Lewis and this (Saturday) morning before we left we were saying that when we used to play in the garden we would dream of playing on an occasion like this together.”

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