SEVERAL BOOSTS FOR SCOTLAND 7S AHEAD OF WORLD CUP
Monday, 23 February 2009

A camel joins in on the Scotland 7s' squad photograph ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
The Scotland 7s squad has been bolstered significantly ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens which take place in Dubai from 5-7 March.
Coach Stephen Gemmell has not only been able to call upon Scotland international centre, Rob Dewey, but he also welcomes former captain, Scott Forrest, back from injury, and one of last seasons most prolific performers, Jim Thompson, in time for the biggest event in this year’s rugby calendar.
“It’s a strong squad from our point of view,” said Gemmell, “and it reflects the importance of the tournament we are about to compete in.
“This squad has a good blend of pace, power and experience, which is what we need at this level as the game is more intense than it has ever been.”
On his selection, which includes two players that appeared at the last Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong four years ago (Colin Gregor and Andrew Turnbull), Gemmell added: “It gives everyone a lift to bring someone like Rob Dewey into the squad. He is a big physical player with full international experience and has shown he can perform at the highest level.

Rob Dewey meets two Dubai ex-pats.
“It’s also massive boost to have Scott Forrest back. His involvement speaks volumes for his determination and the tremendous amount of work he has put in with the medical staff since he suffered a dislocated fractured ankle back at the beginning of November. He’s been with me all the way in sevens and his physical and mental fitness is right where it needs to be going into a World Cup.
“As for Jim Thompson, he is back following a period focussing on XV-a-side rugby with Edinburgh. He played in every tournament last season and showed he is an effective line-breaker and ultimately a game-breaker. He has also proven that he is a big performer, especially in the last two legs last season in London and Edinburgh, and I’m sure many who were at Murrayfield last June will remember his match-winning tackle against Fiji.
“I’ve received the backing and support of the two pro-teams (Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh), the national coach (Frank Hadden), our head of performance (Henry Edwards), and our chief executive (Gordon McKie) in order to field such a strong squad for the World Cup. However, we need to appreciate that every other country will be doing the same and everyone in this squad will be judged on their performances.”

Jim Thompson and Scott Forrest, who have been formidable for Scotland 7s in the past, are back in the squad for the World Cup.
Scotland’s highest points’ scorer in IRB events, Colin Gregor, retains the captain’s armband following his successful stewardship of the squad in Wellington and San Diego.
“Colin is a top international sevens player,” Gemmell continued, “he captained us well in the last two tournaments and is the right guy to take the captaincy forward into the World Cup.
“However, when you travel with only 12 players in the squad, you need each and every one to be a leader and also take responsibility. That’s why I’m so excited with this squad because I’m confident that they can all meet this challenge.”
The Scots have faced all three of their Pool C opponents - South Africa, Canada and Japan – in the last two tournaments on the IRB Sevens World Series, however, their recent history will count for nothing as the World Cup poses a unique opportunity.
“We’ve beaten Japan and Canada recently but we’re going to need to do it again, and well, if we are going to progress.
“We have also proven in the past that we can defeat South Africa. The results in Wellington and San Diego showed that this tournament is wide open and there are never any easy games at a World Cup.
“This group of players have the opportunity to do something special in this tournament and we all have to ensure that we get our preparation and performance spot on as there are no second chances.”
Scotland 7s squad to compete at the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai from 5-7 March: Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN, Mike Adamson (Glasgow Warriors), Rob Dewey (Ulster), Andrew Easson (Edinburgh), Scott Forrest (Ayr)*, Roddy Grant (West of Scotland)*, Rory Hutton (Hawick)*, Roland Reid (Edinburgh), Scott Riddell (Blaydon), Colin Shaw (Glasgow Warriors), James Thompson (Edinburgh), Andrew Turnbull (Edinburgh)
* = Member of Scottish Rugby’s Contracted National Academy
Pool C
South Africa, Scotland, Canada, Japan
Scotland 7s’ Rugby World Cup Sevens Pool C fixtures
Day one (5 March) – Scotland v Canada (kick-off 5:32pm local time, 1:32pm GMT)
Day two (6 March) – Scotland v Japan (kick-off 2:18pm local time, 10:18am GMT)
Day two (6 March) – South Africa v Scotland (kick-off 5:58pm local time, 1:58pm GMT)

This article was posted on 23-Feb-2009, 15:23 by Hugh Barrow.