Ashman, 19 – who has earned 10 caps for the age-grade side – joins the capital club immediately as the squad this week began a four-day training camp in St Andrews.



The hooker was a key performer for Scotland U20 at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina, scoring seven tries in five appearances to finish as the tournament’s top try-scorer.

Ashman said: “I’m really happy to have joined such a great club on loan and I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season.

“It’s a really big opportunity for me and I hope to learn as much as possible from Richard Cockerill and the team during my time here.”