When he made his international debut against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup, John Barclay became earmarked as a player of immense potential and a man with a long career in the Scotland No.7 shirt ahead of him. It was a day before his 21st birthday but he already looked at home on the international stage.
It should not have been a surprise; Barclay had been selected in an extended Scotland squad just after his 18th birthday. That was even before he had made his Glasgow debut, two days too late to become the youngest ever player to take the field in the Magners League.
As a schoolboy Barclay helped Dollar Academy to an impressive 27-14 win against Dundee High School in the Bell Lawrie White Scottish Schools Cup final at Murrayfield in 2004, and he has been awarded several accolades including the MacPhail Rugby Scholarship and the Daily Record Sporting Heroes of the Future.
After being named Scotland captain, Barlcay skippered Scotland to impressive victories over England and France in the 2018 6 Nations before the back-row announced his decision to sign for Edinburgh for the 2018/19 season.
Scotland Caps
PRO14 Caps
European Caps
Barclay joined Scarlets at the start of the 2013/14 season and swiftly became a fan favourite as he helped the Welsh side to a Guinness PRO12 Championship
Born in Hong Kong, John made his international debut the day before his 21st birthday.
After being named Scotland captain, Barlcay skippered Scotland to impressive victories over England and France in the 2018 6 Nations