Andy Robinson has selected his 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and as expected, there is no place for Glasgow Warriors’ Johnny Beattie. Al Kellock captains the squad at lock, but winger Nikki Walker is unavailable after sustaining an injury late in the game against Italy on Saturday. Notable inclusions are; Kelly Brown, John Barclay and Nick De Luca with Chris Paterson competing in his fourth World Cup. Richie Gray, Jim Hamilton and British Lion Nathan Hines also make the squad.
Andy Robinson said: (quote) I want to pay tribute to the dedicated and professional approach of all those in our provisional squad. Eight players have been unfortunate to miss out from that squad but that is because of the talent we have been able to assemble in our final 30. As a squad we have our values and uppermost among them is to inspire the nation by the way in which we conduct ourselves and through winning performances on the international rugby field. (end quote)
Skipper Kellock commented: (quote) Today is about reflecting on the huge honour of being selected for the squad, which is magnified by being asked to captain the squad. I intend to do my utmost to reward the coaches’ faith in me and make the country proud by what we achieve in New Zealand. (end quote)
Scotland are drawn in Pool ‘B’ with Argentina, England, Georgia and Romania.
Squad
Backs: Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Mike Blair (Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Castres), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh).
Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (both Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Nathan Hines (Clermont Auvergne), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (captain, Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks).