London Scottish new boy Hugh Fraser is more than aware life in the Championship will be a harder challenge than he has faced before.

Scotland U20 scrum half is one of five players to pitch up at the Athletic Ground this term as part of the exiles' performance partnership with Scottish Rugby.

He represented Scotland at U16, U17, U18 and U19 and made his Scotland U20 debut in the 24-6 win over England, in the opening game of the 2016 Six Nations Championship.

The 20-year-old, who started playing rugby at Teddington and then Esher before a switch to London Irish, was named in the World Rugby U20 Championship 'Dream Team' after helping his country to a record equalling eighth-place finish.

But now it is the Green King IPA Championship that beckons and Fraser cannot wait.

Fraser said: "I've seen a few Championship matches and it will be a great test for us.

"The pre-season matches against Blackheath and Saracens can't come soon enough."

Hooker Cameron Fenton, back row Ally Miller, Fraser, centre Tom Galbraith and wing Ben Robbins, have all made the move south to work with Scottish Rugby's head of international age-grade rugby and part-time London Scottish director of rugby Sean Lineen.

And head coach Peter Richards has been impressed by their influence already, after less than a week of training.

"The guys have been brilliant and all look like great prospects, so we are excited to have them with us for the 2016/17 season," he added.

"There is great competition among the group for places in our match-day squad, so the addition of these players can only add to what is a very promising year ahead for London Scottish."

Scottish Rugby and London Scottish announced a new partnership to support the development of a joint performance programme.

The agreement, which is resource focused, will see regular coaching, playing and high performance support provided by Scottish Rugby to the club.

It will provide a further professional rugby environment for identified players and coaches, as well as benefitting their personal and professional development.