JohnD
Well-Known Member
Very much depends on the individual. Some are ready at 16/17 but others don't fully develop, physically and mentally, till a bit later. I do think that playing regularly at a young age can shorten the length of a player's career if they're not managed very carefully. (Equally, players who miss years through injuries or health problems can sometimes get those years back later in their playing days.) Generally, though, I think we have a culture in Scotland that places far too much value on physicality and strength, and that culture works against younger players. Until we tackle that culture, including the way the game is officiated, we won't make real progress in blooding youngsters earlier.