Robinson set to name Scotland's Six Nations squad

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson is today set to announce his squad for the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations and supplement experience with an injection of youth.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson is today set to announce his squad for the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations and supplement experience with an injection of youth.

The bulk of the squad poised to come together for February 4 tournament opener is set to come from the 30-man group which travelled to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup but returned defeated by England and eliminated at the group phase for the first time.

Robinson may also appoint a new permanent captain, with World Cup skipper Alastair Kellock by no means a first-choice pick in the second row, as he seeks to improve on a record of two wins in 10 Six Nations matches as head coach.

Flankers John Barclay and Kelly Brown and hooker Ross Ford all have a realistic chance of being handed the captaincy.

Chris Cusiter, Robinson’s first skipper as Scotland boss, could also claim the role – if he has convinced the head coach he should be first-choice scrum-half.

Chris Paterson and Nathan Hines have retired, while the elder members of the World Cup squad, such as fly-half Dan Parks and wing Simon Danielli, may be omitted in favour of youth.

Glasgow’s Rob Harley, Duncan Weir, Stuart Hogg, Pat MacArthur and Ryan Wilson and Edinburgh’s David Denton, Stuart McInally, Grant Gilchrist and Lee Jones are among those set to be included – if only for Robinson to see them at close quarters in an international environment.

He said: “Ultimately, they’ve got to come in and be able to perform at their very best when they come into the Scotland team.

“But also I believe a lot of the players that played in the World Cup performed well and they will be given opportunities to continue their development in the Scotland shirt.”

Parks, who is 33, has 66 caps and was omitted from Robinson’s first squad as boss in 2009, has fallen behind Ruaridh Jackson in the pecking order.

Jackson, Weir and Edinburgh captain Greig Laidlaw, who can also play scrum-half, are alternative options at number 10.

London Wasps’ Hugo Southwell, who missed the World Cup through injury, could return, but Johnnie Beattie is set to be omitted once again with a wealth of back-row options at Robinson’s disposal.

Newcastle tighthead prop Euan Murray, who is 31, will not be available for the Sunday games against Wales and France and could be sweating over his place, while Moray Low was the only squad member not to feature in New Zealand and has been limited in his appearances for Glasgow this term.

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

UL Bohemian v Railway Union - Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division 1 Final Ugwuero hat-trick helps UL Bohs to women's AIL title in Aviva thriller
Jack O Donoghue scores a try 27/4/2024 Munster crank up the power to complete Highveld haul
Ireland v Scotland - Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship Ireland back at rugby's top table
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited