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Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Scotland ‘A’ head coach Andy Robinson has welcomed the ground-breaking offer of free admission for spectators at the forthcoming match against Italy at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Friday 27 February (kick off 7.30pm) and believes it will be a memorable event.

Robinson was in charge of the Scotland ‘A’ team that scored 10 tries against Ireland ‘A’ at the same venue 12 months ago and he admits he is eagerly awaiting his return trip to the stadium next month.

Robinson said: “I am really looking forward to going back to McDiarmid Park with the Scotland ‘A’ team and the fact admission for the match is free is a phenomenal offer. “The standard of rugby at ‘A’ level is just one step below the Six Nations, so for people to be able to watch that for nothing makes it a very special deal.

“Hopefully the offer will encourage both seasoned rugby enthusiasts and also newcomers to the sport to come and experience an international match at a welcoming venue.

“Last year, the likes of Ross Rennie, Phil Godman and Ben Cairns all featured for the Scotland ‘A’ team before being awarded caps with the senior side.

“We are expecting a tough, physical challenge against Italy ‘A’, but we are planning to play an expansive brand of attacking rugby that hopefully will entertain what promises to be a big crowd.”

This article was posted on 28-Jan-2009, 19:34 by Hugh Barrow.