THE sudden success of a Borders rugby player has left a Galashiels college lecturer out of pocket.

Richie Gray, who is a tutor at the Borders Academy of Sporting Excellence, made a bet with teenager Stuart Hogg over two years ago that he'd win his first cap before reaching 21.

The former Gala captain had already lost a wager with the young utility back about him lasting with his girlfriend until the end of his first year at Borders College.

And in the days leading up to Hogg's departure for a pro contract with Glasgow, Gray upped the anti ten-fold. That was more than two years ago.

But just days after the 19-year-old from Hawick pulled on a Scotland jersey for the first time to face Wales in the Millenium Stadium, he was back at the Galashiels campus to collect his cash.

Stuart told the Border Telegraph: "I have always remembered the bet. It started off as a tenner about me and my girlfriend, Nicola Chalmers, lasting until the end of the my BASE course, then it went up to �100 about me winning a cap before I'm 21. I'll give the money to charity but I was making sure I collected the bet first."

Borders College's BASE courses have attracted some of the leading youngsters in rugby, football and mountainbiking since they were launched three years ago.

On the same weekend Hogg was thrilling the Millennium Stadium with his attacking rugby, fellow students from his old class were also in action.

Luke Pettie, Lee Millar and Ewan McQuillan helped Gala to victory over Boroughmuir, Bruce Dick scored both of Melrose's tries against Ayr, Robin Hislop faced the Ospreys with Edinburgh, and Russell Anderson pulled on the Scotland Under 20s shirt for the first time.

Hogg added: "BASE was the closest thing to pro rugby we could get at the time. It was a chance to work on my rugby skills and keep the brain ticking over at the same time."

For his former lecturer it was a bet well worth losing. Richie told us: "The bet was made on June 2, 2009 - the day before Stuart left the course. I still have the original tenner that we both signed.

"He is one of those quality players that you spot every now and again - like Jim Renwick, Chris Paterson and Gregor Townsend. He has the potential to be as good as any of them.

"Scotland were needing a player who can break the line and I think Stuart has the X-factor it takes. He has a great side-step and he's worked extremely hard to develop his rugby over the last few years."

Gray believes the rugby course, which he helped develop more than three years ago, is getting better all the time.

And that more of his students could follow in the boot-steps of Hogg. He added: "We have the new 3G pitch and the facilities at Tri Fitness these days which help us enormously. The course improves as the facilities get better."

As well as being rewarded with his �100, Hogg was also presented with a gift from College Principal Liz McIntyre.

The teenager was given pamper vouchers for him and his long-time girlfriend to use in the Netherdale campus' beauty salons as well as a complimentary lunch in the restaurant.

The Principal said: "Everyone at Borders College was watching the Wales game, and we were all delighted for Stuart. I was amazed by how calm he was. The whole BASE concept is designed to help people like Stuart, who are passionate about their sport without giving up their education."