Gatland may nick Scots

GREGOR Townsend is expecting Warren Gatland to pinch more of his players as he gears up for his first tour in charge of Scotland.

The former Glasgow boss officially took up his new duties yesterday, with his first act naming the 34-man squad he will take with him on this summer’s trip.

However, he will have to do without skipper Greig Laidlaw for the Test clashes against Italy, which takes place in Singapore, Australia and Fiji after he was called up to the British and Irish Lions travelling party heading to New Zealand.

That takes the Scottish contingent in Gatland’s selection to three after Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour were included in the original touring group.

However, Townsend admits he has picked a bigger squad than he normally would in the expectation the Lions will come calling again at some point next month.

He said: “That’s one reason why we have picked a squad of 34. For a three-match tour, 34 players is a lot and it might be that not everyone gets to play Test match rugby.

“However, given that there is injuries in the game and a Lions tour close by to Australia and Fiji, it could be some players miss those Tests.

“Maybe more will join up. There is a few who played very well during the Six Nations so they could have a good chance to go. You never know, it’s up to the coaches. It’s good to see the first person called up since it was announced was a Scot.”

Laidlaw replaces Ben Youngs who withdrew on compassionate grounds.