This weekend London Scottish will be returning to play in the prestigious Melrose 7s tournament for the first time since 1978.
The Scots will be taking up a 10-man squad for the tournament which kicks off tomorrow which combines some current and former London Scots as well as some guest players. Scottish had intended to send a squad containing as many 1stXV players as possible but due to the amount of injuries currently in the squad, most fit players are involved tomorrow versus Cornish Pirates.
The squad flew up to Edinburgh yesterday for a training session at Murrayfield before another training session today and a day in the capital.
The squad will kick off proceedings tomorrow against either Peebles or Heriots at 1.40pm.
Club President and former Scotland international British Lion Paul Burnell spoke of his pride of having London Scottish at the tournament this weekend.
“Which club wouldn’t want to play at the home of rugby Sevens. The Melrose Sevens tournament is iconic around the world, it is globally recognised and being part of it is something London Scottish is both hugely excited about but also incredibly proud of.”
? Squad Announcement for @Melrose7s @fraser_lyle will skipper the side with some real international pedigree including @Scotlandteam 7⃣s star @riddell07 ??
Full announcement ?? https://t.co/lnzaQ3HI0M pic.twitter.com/h1AXY1HPHE
— London Scottish FC (@LSFCOfficial) April 12, 2019
Fraser Lyle, who played for the 1stXV last season and is currently a player/coach will lead the side as Captain. Fraser comes with plenty of experience having played international sevens for Scotland a few years ago on the World Series.
He is joined by Scotland 7s legend, Scott Riddell. Riddell is a focal part of the Scotland 7s programme and is one of the most consistent performers on the World Series. His influence and ability will be a huge bonus to the Scots side over the weekend.
Another young Scotland 7s starlet Josh Henderson, who has been training with London Scottish over the last few weeks as cover for our injury problems at fly half, will be pulling the strings over the weekend for our Melrose squad. Ben Harris, who is part of the England 7s set up and was part of the Scottish squad that beat Jersey in the Championship back in February, will also be playing this weekend.
Will Radford, former Millfield pupil and current London Scottish Lions player, is also included in the squad for the weekend.
Joining them will be five guest players, some who have links to Loughborough University. Fergus Guiry and Tom Walsh, both of whom are studying at Loughborough University whilst also being in the England Sevens Academy are in the squad. Former Scotland Under 20 Lewis Berg and current Northumbria University student will add some firepower to the forwards. Finally, two Tynedale RFC players will make up the squad with Rob Parker and James Spencer wearing the Rampant Lion this weekend.
Charlie Hudson, Scotland Under 19 player will travel with the squad as injury cover.
London Scottish Melrose 7s Squad
Thanks to London Scottish Lions, Loughborough University, Northumbria University, Tynedale RFC & England 7s for allowing their players to represent London Scottish this weekend.
