Trinity Academy in Edinburgh is sending 25 starlets for a two week tour, which see’s them play five matches in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Paterson, a winner of 100 international caps, has plenty of experience of touring South Africa and was more than happy to help.

“I have attachment to Trinity through a link-up between the rugby authorities and Edinburgh schools and was delighted to be asked to visit and contribute an article to the tour brochure,” the 32-year-old said.

“South Africa was where I toured with the Scottish Schools in 1996 and three years later I was back on my first senior tour with Scotland.

“I was roughly the same age as the Trinity boys when I first went to South Africa and remember being struck by the size and physicality of the opposition.

“We were competitive, though, and I'm sure Trinity Academy's team will be, too. I’ll keep an eye on their progress.”