MELROSE utility-back Nyle Godsmark has been named in the Scotland Sevens for this weekend’s World Rugby HSBC Sevens-Series round three meeting in Wellington after impressing in the BT Premiership.
Gavin Lowe has also been selected by head coach Calum MacRae having missed the Cape Town competition through injury, and Glenn Bryce is included for the first time on the 2016/17 circuit having made nine appearances for Edinburgh Rugby so far this season. It will be Mark Robertson’s 50th tournament.
Captain Scott Wight, who picked up a hand injury in the Cape Town leg of the World Series last month, has travelled with the squad as 13th man.
Scotland currently sit joint fourth in the world ranking alongside New Zealand and behind South Africa, England and Fiji.
MacRae’s squad have been drawn as top seeds in Pool D alongside Wales, Russia and Canada.
“Nyle performed very well for the team in my first year on the series, with Joe (Nayacavou) having a commitment with the Army team. It opens up an opportunity for Nyle to show what he has to offer,” said the coach.
“Having Gavin Lowe back from injury is a real positive. He has worked hard and is ready for competition in Wellington.Glenn Bryce’s return strengthens the squad, he showed he has try scoring ability in Paris and London last series.”
“It’s a very competitive pool we face, with Canada, Russia and Wales, three teams we respect from the tough outings we’ve had previously.”
“We take a lot of confidence from how we have opened the series, however, our feet remain firmly on the ground knowing we need to continue to deliver consistently on our performance goals.”
- Scotland 7s fixtures in the third leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series in Wellington (kick-off times in GMT) –
Saturday 28 January 10.23pm v Canada;
Sunday 11 January 1.47am v Russia; & 5.26am v Wales
Day Two Fixtures TBC
- Scotland 7s squad to compete in Cape Town (caps in brackets) –
1. Scott Riddell (c) (260)
2. Dougie Fife (47)
3. Fraser Lyle (46)
4. James Johnstone (166)
5. Nick McLennan (62)
6. Mark Robertson (226)
7. Jamie Farndale (73)
8. Nyle Godsmark (9)
9. George Horne (11)
10. Glenn Bryce (4)
11. James Fleming (124)
12. Gavin Lowe (57)
Image courtesy: Scottish Rugby/SNS Group