GRAHAM Shiel has named an experienced 12-man squad as Scotland prepare for the first Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s tournament this weekend.


John Houston, Jim Thompson, Scott Riddell and Struan Dewar are welcomed back to the fold, while the youngsters who have competed throughout the HSBC Sevens World Series also make the cut along with captain, Colin Gregor and Andrew Turnbull.

Shiel said: “Having 18 players to select from is one of the first times we have had such depth to our squad this season, but it has made selecting the 12 very difficult as everyone involved has merited selection.

“I have selected players on their current form and in terms of how they are performing in their position, so we have the strongest team right across the field, creating the right balance to the team.

“The majority of the 12 have been involved at some stage on the circuit this year, therefore I believe we have a team that will draw from current experiences and who have a hunger to move forward in the competition.

“We also welcome Edinburgh Rugby’s John Houston and Jim Thompson. They both have an understanding of the circuit and have fantastic 7s knowledge.

“As well as John and Jim we have Scott Riddell and Struan Dewar back in the side. Struan has had a tough season with injury but he has worked hard to get back to full fitness and his ability and experience are hugely important to our performance. Scott is one of Scotland’s most recognised 7s specialists and he always performs to the highest level so we’re delighted to have him back.”

The Scots will take on Wales, South Africa and Russia on Saturday, day one of their home tournament.

It is the eighth leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

The 12 players to compete at the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s are:

Colin Gregor (Scotland 7s), Andrew Turnbull (Scotland 7s), Mark Robertson (Scotland 7s), Struan Dewar (Scotland 7s), James Fleming (Scotland 7s), John Houston (Edinburgh Rugby), Jim Thompson (Edinburgh Rugby), Michael Fedo (Team Northumbria), *Ross Miller (Glasgow Hawks), Sean Kennedy (Stirling County), Adam Ashe (Stirling County).

This article was originally posted on 30-Apr-2012, 14:34 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 1-May-2012, 10:17.