Ollie Leatherbarrow's Scotland selection is proof Newcastle Red Bulls are closing the gap in the Prem, according to Dan McFarland.
Ollie Leatherbarrow has been called up by Scotland, and Dan McFarland says the selection reflects how far Newcastle Red Bulls have come this season in the Premiership.
For McFarland, international recognition for a player in Newcastle colours is more than an individual reward. He sees it as evidence that the club is competing harder and performing at a level that national selectors notice.
The Red Bulls have worked to establish themselves as a tougher opponent in the Prem, and the Leatherbarrow call-up gives that effort some tangible backing. When a player moves from club rugby into a Test squad, it signals that the environment around him is producing results.
For Leatherbarrow, it is a big step up and a reward for his form. For Newcastle, it is a confidence boost and a marker of progress as they push to keep building momentum in the league.
