How do you qualify for Italy after playing for Scotland’s age groups? 

I was born there! My dad is Scottish but my mother is from Italy, and played scrum-half for the Italian Women’s team. My family moved to Henley-on-Thames when was I about seven and I played for Henley Hawks before joining London Scottish.

How did you end up joining Perpignan? 

My agent has good links with them and they watched me on video and offered me a contract.

Which positions have you played? 

I used to play a lot at centre and also full-back but when I began playing for Scotland U18 they gave me a lot more game-time at ten, which I enjoy most.

Any famous relatives? 

My uncle John Allan played hooker for Scotland (nine caps) and South Africa (13) in the 1990s.

Who are your mentors? 

I learned a lot from Rowly Williams at London Scottish, and Sean Lineen with Scotland U20.

RW verdict: Italy stole a march on Scotland by naming Allan, 20, in their squad for this month’s Tests.

This was published in the December 2013 edition of Rugby World. Click here to find out what’s in this month’s magazine!