Scotland Club XV Announces Squad for Ireland Match
The Scotland Club XV has announced its squad for the upcoming match against the Ireland Club XV. The two teams will clash at Energia Park in Dublin on Friday, February 13, with kick-off set for 6:30 PM. This match is part of the Dalriada Cup, which celebrates the historic connections between Scotland and Ireland.
Scotland Club XV Squad Details
Head coach Brian McKillop has selected a balanced team featuring a mix of youth and experience. The squad is primarily composed of players who showcased their skills during the Inter-District Championships.
Forward Pack Composition
- Captain: Blair Macpherson (Ayr RFC) – number 8, leading for the fourth time.
- Back Row:
- Tim Brown (Ayr RFC) – openside flanker
- Ruairidh Leishman (Heriot’s Rugby) – blindside flanker
- Front Row:
- Loosehead Prop: Jack Dobie (Melrose RFC)
- Tighthead Prop: Struan Cessford (Heriot’s Rugby)
- Hooker: Fraser Renwick (Hawick RFC)
- Locks:
- Angus Runciman (Melrose RFC)
- Oscar Baird (Ayr RFC)
Back Division Lineup
- Half-Back Pairing:
- Stand-off: Dwain Patterson (Kelso RFC)
- Scrum-half: Gregor Christie (Currie Chieftains)
- Midfield:
- Bobby Beattie (Ayr RFC)
- Andrew Mitchell (Hawick RFC)
- Wings:
- Ben Pickles (Selkirk RFC) – left wing
- Jamie Shedden (Ayr RFC) – right wing
- Full-Back: Glenn Bryce (Stirling County RFC), the vice-captain.
Replacements and Support
- Hooker: Elliot Young (Heriot’s Rugby)
- Props: Jamie Drummond (Ayr RFC), Dan Gamble (Kelso RFC)
- Second Row: Ruaraidh Hart (Stirling County RFC)
- Back Row: Sam Wallace (Heriot’s Rugby)
- Scrum-half: Euan McKirdy (GHA RFC)
- Full-Back: Callum Anderson (Selkirk RFC)
- Wing: Archie Barbour (Kelso RFC)
In a statement, McKillop expressed his admiration for the training squad of 38 players, noting their enthusiasm and strong performance during training sessions. He deemed the selection process challenging, reflecting the high caliber of players available.
As the squad prepares to don the Thistle, excitement grows for this notable encounter in Dublin. The match against Ireland marks an important fixture in the rugby calendar, highlighting the competitive spirit and camaraderie shared between the two nations.
