SCOTLAND UNDER-20 RETURN TO INVERNESS
Thursday, 13 January 2011

Following the highly successful hosting by Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC of last year’s Scotland under-20 fixture against France, Scottish Rugby is delighted to confirm that the team will return to the Highland capital next month for another 6 Nations clash.
The under-20s' second home game of the championship, against Ireland, will be played at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on Friday 25 February (kick-off 7.30pm), giving supporters from across the north the opportunity to watch a host of rising stars in the flesh.
In common with all other home Scotland A, under-20, club international, under-18, under-17 and Scotland Women games this season, admission to the match will be FREE.
More than 3,000 fans created a tremendous atmosphere at the SPL club’s ground for the game against the French last February. Stand-off Alex Blair scored all of Scotland under-20’s points in an 8-8 draw, and has since progressed to a contract at Edinburgh.
Ten of Blair’s team-mates that night have also subsequently won promotion to the professional game, David Denton, Stuart McInally, Grant Gilchrist, Alun Walker, Colin Phillips and Tom Brown with Edinburgh, and Alex Dunbar, Rob Harley, George Hunter and James Johnstone at Glasgow Warriors.
Peter Wright, the Scotland under-20 head coach, confirmed: “The under-20s is a great vehicle for exposing guys to quality rugby and helping them develop good habits.
“I was forwards coach with the team when we went to Inverness last season and it was a really positive occasion. The fans turned out in force, gave us great backing, and showed the passion that exists for the game in the north.
“I’d encourage as many people as possible to come along for the Ireland match next month. It will be another top night of rugby and a chance for people to see some of our best young talent in action.”
Kenny Cameron, operations director at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, expressed the club’s delight at hosting another Scotland representative fixture. He said: “Our directors and fans are once again thrilled to welcome the under-20 team to Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
“As was the case last season, we expect all Highland rugby fans to come out to support Scotland in what is sure to be an exciting, fast-flowing game. I’m sure we’ll see some football converts there as well, and the fact it’s free admission will hopefully help bring in another bumper audience."
SCOTLAND UNDER-20 FIXTURES, SEASON 2010/11
6 Nations Championship
Friday 4 February, Stade Velodrome de Venoix, Caen, kick-off 7pm (local time): France under-20 v Scotland under-20
Friday 11 February, Bridgehaugh, kick-off 7.30pm: Scotland under-20 v Wales under-20
Friday 25 February, Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness, kick-off 7.30pm: Scotland under-20 v Ireland under-20
Friday 11 March, Newbury RFC, kick-off 7.45pm: England under-20 v Scotland under-20
Friday 18 March, Bridgehaugh, kick-off 7.30pm: Scotland under-20 v Italy under-20

This article was posted on 13-Jan-2011, 19:24 by Hugh Barrow.