“It’s still in his living room” Dale Ferguson making grandad proud with Scotland honour
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Scotland captain Dale Ferguson says it always puts a smile on his face knowing just how much representing his heritage means to his grandfather Donald.
The 34-year-old forward will play in his third World Cup for Scotland this autumn.
Ferguson was born and raised in West Yorkshire but qualifies to play for Scotland through his granddad, who hails from Edinburgh.
“Me playing for Scotland is a big thing for my family,” Ferguson told Love Rugby League.
“It is a massive honour for me to represent my Scottish heritage. To captain Scotland means everything to me and my family.
“My grandad is from Edinburgh. He goes to every international game and I get him to as many games as I can.
“The very first Scotland shirt that I wore in 2010 I got it framed and gave it to him. It’s still in his living room now! He loves the fact that I’m representing our heritage.”
BRAVEHEARTS: Scotland reveal World Cup squad including five from Australia
Scotland relishing the underdogs tag, says Dale Ferguson
The Bravehearts are in a group with Fiji, Italy and reigning champions Australia at this year’s tournament.
Ferguson, who has won 19 caps for Scotland, says they are looking forward to facing the big guns.
“In the tournaments we’ve been classed as underdogs and we will be this time,” Ferguson said.
“We’ve pulled off quite a few shock results in the past so we’ll just take each game as it comes and we’ll just concentrate on ourselves.
“Just being part of the squad is a great experience but we’ve had major upsets in 2013 when we came away with a win against Tonga and pulling a draw against the Kiwis in the Four Nations. We went to Australia in 2017 with a young team but we came away with a draw against Samoa.
“We’ve stuck together as a team who love the fact we are representing our families.”
Scotland get their World Cup campaign underway when they take on Italy at Kingston Park in Newcastle on Sunday, October 16.
PODCAST: Adam Cuthbertson on time at Leeds, Rhinos’ resurgence & Wayne Bennett’s influence
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast
