BBC SPORTS REPORTS
Scots avert Celtic League clash

Scots coach Frank Hadden is preparing to take on the Barbarians
The Scottish Rugby Union insists the country's international stars will be available for Friday night's final Celtic League matches.
It had been thought that players would be rested ahead of Scotland's friendly with the Barbarians on 31 May.

And that could have had a crucial bearing on the championship standings.

The Borders and Glasgow are in competition for a place in the Heineken Cup, while Edinburgh face Leinster, who have a chance of the title.

A statement from the SRU said: "Scottish Rugby further clarified its position on its professional players taking part in this Friday's Celtic League matches.

"A significant number of players in the Scotland squad to play the Barbarians and to go on the two-Test summer tour to South Africa just days later, will still be made available to their pro team coaches.

"A small number of other Scotland players, in positions where any injury would have serious, knock-on implications throughout the senior Scotland, Scotland A and representative teams in June, will be rested.

"Scottish Rugby is fully supportive of the Celtic League and Heineken Cup competitions it competes in and recognises the importance of the games.

"After discussions between all the coaches, the partial Scotland squad player release back to the pro teams was agreed."

Earlier, Scotland head coach Frank Hadden had told The Herald: "I aim to be flexible while looking to give our international players the best chance.

"We plan to work out a sensible way through a busy series of games.

"It tells you how important I see our game against the Barbarians days before we leave for the tour to South Africa, that I prefer to rest some of our key players the week before."

"The successful home games in the Six Nations proved why it's important to do so, but always within reason."

Border Reivers need to beat Newport-Gwent Dragons to guarantee a place in the European Cup.

But a slip could allow Glasgow, who visit Connacht, to catch them.

If leaders Ulster fail to win at the Ospreys, a win for Leinster over Edinburgh would hand the championship to the Dublin outfit.

This article was posted on 24-May-2006, 17:53 by Hugh Barrow.