The Edinburgh back-row forward looks set for his international debut in the RBS 6 Nations Championship after being singled out as a future captain by the new national boss.

There is no doubting the experience Hogg has earned as he builds up for his first cap.

The 21-year-old has captained at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 levels and his graduation to the senior side is imminent, convincing Williams he has unearthed a potential leader.

He said: We need to enhance the leadership skills of the group generally and the number of caps an individual has is not a pre-requisite to leadership.

I will not go into details of the group at this stage but young Ali Hogg is going to be captain of his country one day. He has not had a cap but he is going to be a leader.

He may not be a leader during the 6 Nations, but we are giving him responsibility now to grow his leadership.

He may not even make the team but theres an example of a guy we have to groom to be captain of his country.

Ali is a very talented young guy who runs very good support lines."