Growing up in Cheshire, I'd support Scotland but all mates would be backing England. I got a bit of stick but fought my corner! Scotland star Ewan Ashman on his rugby roots

Born in Canada and raised in Cheshire, Ewan Ashman has his family to thank for ensuring there would never be any ambiguity when it came to his international allegiances.

Work may have taken dad, Jonathan, all around the world but he did not forsake his Edinburgh roots, something he and brother Phillip helped to instil in the next generation of Ashmans, regardless of where they called home at any particular time.

That acute sense of Scottishness was matched only by an appreciation of rugby that endures to this day, with Ashman senior still making the long journey from the north-west of England to watch his son in action whether playing for Edinburgh or Scotland.

That passion for the sport soon rubbed off on the younger Ashman who was taken regularly to Murrayfield as a child. His own burgeoning talent saw him progress from local team Sandbach RUFC to Sale Sharks, a period that coincided with him earning international recognition with the Scotland under-20s and then a first full cap against Australia in November 2021.

Four years on and the hooker is an established presence in Gregor Townsend’s squad and a likely starter against the United States on Saturday in the first match of the Autumn International series. And being a Scottish outlier among his Cheshire chums when he was younger has served to heighten his sense of pride every time he pulls on the jersey.

‘I’d be supporting Scotland and you’d go to your mate’s house and they’re all supporting England,’ he recalls with a smile. ‘I’d be fighting my corner and getting stick back.

‘They definitely got into me a few times about that, although it was probably my mistake for going around to their houses while supporting Scotland! But I’d like to think they all have a soft spot for Scotland now, hopefully.

‘Most of that came from my old man who absolutely loves rugby and Scotland. He travels around with work but still tries to spend as much of his time in Edinburgh as possible. I think he’s trying to convince my mum to move back up! So, he’ll be at every game. You’d have to kill him to stop him.

‘He was over at Edinburgh Academy and then Royal High as a boy and loved his rugby there. He ended up choosing football which I always tell him was a mistake. He’s a big boy so he probably would have done a job in the pack.

‘My uncle played a bit, too. He did a bit of Edinburgh school stuff but nothing major. But he and my dad just absolutely love the game and being there. When my dad was coaching me when I was little, there was a lot of feedback. And he’ll still try and drop me a bit of wisdom every now and then.’

Not that Ashman is in any real need of fresh advice given the way his career is unfolding, with 28 Scotland caps to his name and a fleeting but cherished involvement with the British and Irish Lions touring party in Australia this summer. Three months on from earning that cap against the First Nations and Pasifika XV, the 25-year-old admits it still feels a bit surreal.

‘There’s still a part of me that looks back and thinks, “Did that actually happen?” I was just buzzing to get on the pitch, get my cap number and get the win. My family did actually fly out so that made it a bit more special and it just makes me hungry to do it properly. Obviously, you don’t want to get ahead of yourself but once you’ve got a taste you want to do it again in four years because it was unbelievable.’

Ashman only has to wait until next month rather than 2029 for the chance to front up against the All Blacks, undoubtedly the most daunting challenge of the forthcoming four-match series. He was a late replacement when Scotland ran them close three years ago and is eager to have another go.

‘I didn’t get too much time but it was an unbelievable experience facing the haka. That’s unique in itself. That was cool. I remember it being pretty intense as I was standing waiting to come on. But it was a huge experience and hopefully we go one better and get the win this time. I’m probably biased but it’s the best stadium in the world for me and I can’t wait to get back out there.’