A GREENOCK schoolboy rugby player is off to a flying start in Russia as he bags seven tries.

Sixteen-year-old Ross Darroch has produced dazzling performances in his first few games with CSKA Moscow and has been invited back again for the National Under-19s Championship next year.

The Tele told how the Greenock Wanderers full-back, who has also represented the Under-16s Scotland Blues, was given the chance to play for the Russian Under-18s and also to take part in the club tournament.

Hailed as one to watch by Russian commentators covering the matches, his family, including mum Olga and dad Colin, cheered him on back home.

Ross has now moved on to join the national squad after his successful debut.

Dad Colin said: "Ross had a brilliant few days with CSKA Moscow. He only had one training session with them before to Krasnodar for the competition.

"He didn't start the first game but came on at half-time when they were trailing and scored a try within 90 seconds.

"They went on to win the game and eventually reached the semi-finals, with Ross scoring seven tries on the way.

"It was great to watch the games live, quite a few family and friends and people from Wanderers were watching too."

Ross first had to travel to his mum's family in Siberia to self-isolate before joining the team.

He then conquered the 30 degrees heat to impress all those watching, with commentators saying he was electric, an interesting player and they wanted to know more.

Colin added: "The coaches were delighted with him and want him back next year."

He is now with the Russian side in Moscow.

The 16-year-old was all set to head to Russia last year when the pandemic hit and he has spent the last year unable to play at all.

Speaking to the Tele before he left, Ross said: "I would really like to make a go of it in Russia, it is a brilliant set-up out there and the sport is massive."