Scottish prospect on Clermont Auvergne radar

Clermont Auvergne ended a 74-year wait for the French title last season

Scottish teenager Mark Bennett has been training with French Top 14 club Clermont Auvergne.

The 18-year-old centre broke into the Scotland U-20s this season and scored a try on his debut against France.

Having come through the ranks with Cumnock, he has earned praise for his performances with Ayr in Scotland's Premier One this season.

Bennett is contracted to Glasgow Warriors through the elite player development section.

A Scottish Rugby spokesman said: "Mark is a very talented player and has travelled to France for four days with the full knowledge of his coaches and staff at Glasgow Warriors and Ayr, who have given him permission to go.

"It is not unusual for players to train with other clubs as part of their education and development and we can't say whether anything will develop from it.

"He will return to train with Ayr tomorrow and will be available for selection for their Scottish Cup semi-final against Boroughmuir on Saturday."

Bennett, who can also operate on the wing, has represented his country at every youth level and scored a hat-trick of tries in a match for the U-18s against Italy last season.

Scotland U-20 coach Peter Wright told BBC Scotland: "He's an outstanding ball-carrier and he's certainly a player with a lot of potential."