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Scotland 7s head coach Steve Gemmell believes the presence of experienced players in his squad for the forthcoming IRB Sevens World Series tournaments in New Zealand and USA next month will revitalise the team’s fortunes. Colin Gregor, Richie Vernon, Andrew Turnbull and Mike Adamson – all of whom have played extensively on the 7s circuit before – have been selected for the opening tournament in Wellington next weekend (6 and 7 February). As a result, Gemmell admits that, after some disappointing losses in Dubai and George (South Africa), he is expecting Scotland to record some improved results building up towards the Rugby World Cup 7s in Dubai in March.
“When we came back from Dubai and George we spoke about how we were lacking experience," said Stephen. “So we have addressed that by bringing in some experienced players, through the support and co-operation of the pro-teams.
“We have added players like Colin Gregor, Richie Vernon, Andrew Turnbull and Mikey Adamson and that has given everybody a lift. The next five weeks are massive for the Scotland 7s' team and we need to put a marker down after the disappointments of Dubai and George.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges that are coming ahead in Wellington and San Diego.
“This week we’ve had 16 players training really hard and the most pleasing aspect for me is that it has caused selection dilemmas because of the quantity and quality of the squad.”
Colin Gregor has been named captain for the next two tournaments, but Stephen Gemmell was keen to stress that Roddy Grant had led the team well in Dubai and George.
He added, “We lost our long-term captain Scott Forrest through injury and we agreed we would look at different captains on a tournament-by-tournament basis.
“The change of captaincy is not a reflection on how Roddy did the job in Dubai and George; it simply reflects the experience Colin can bring to the role.
“Colin is our most experienced player and he is well respected on the international stage, both in other countries and amongst his own team-mates.”
One other new addition is Edinburgh wing Marc Teague. Gemmell believes the Heriot’s back will add some extra firepower to the side.
He added, “Marc has been a consistent performer in the club game and since he has come into the professional environment he has worked hard on developing physically.
“He has not had many opportunities because of injury, but for Marc and the rest of the squad it is a chance for them to show what they are capable of.”
As a result of Edinburgh commitments, Andrew Turnbull is unavailable for the San Diego leg, which takes place on 14 and 15 February, so he is replaced in the squad by Scott Riddell; Gemmell believes the former Stewart’s Melville man deserves his chance.
“He is a player we have been aware of for a while and we saw him playing in Dubai in the international invitational tournament there," Stephen explained. "He has trained well and he deserved his call-up.”
Scotland 7s squad (sponsor Murray) for the next two tournaments on the IRB Sevens World Series in New Zealand and USA: Colin Gregor (captain, Glasgow Warriors), Mike Adamson (Glasgow Warriors), Andrew Easson (Edinburgh), Roddy Grant (West of Scotland)*, Graham Hogg (Hawick)*, Jamie Hunter (West of Scotland)*, Rory Hutton (Hawick)*, Roland Reid (Edinburgh), Scott Riddell (Blaydon)++, Colin Shaw (Glasgow Warriors), Marc Teague (Edinburgh), Andrew Turnbull (Edinburgh)+, Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors)
* = Member of Scottish Rugby’s Contracted National Academy
+ = Available for Wellington tournament only
++ = Available for San Diego tournament only |
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