Covid denied Scott dream international comeback
LEICESTER Tigers centre Matt Scott has opened up on a frustrating summer that saw Covid-19 deny him a dream return to international rugby, writes Bobby Bridge.
Four years on from earning his 39th and most recent Scotland cap, the 30-year-old was recalled to the Scotland fold after playing a key part in Tigers’ strong end to the 2020/21 season.
The versatile centre, left, was named as Scotland A captain to face England at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, but was denied that opportunity after a Covid-19 outbreak in the Scotland camp.
Capped internationals against Romania and Georgia were also subsequently scrapped.
“It was a pretty tough one to take,” said Scott.
“It’s been four years since I got capped and I was all set to get more.
“You’ve spent a month away from your families in a bubble environment and you’ve got nothing to show at the end of it.
“I enjoyed the experience of being back in the squad and back in that environment.
“I feel like I’ve developed as a player since I was last in that environment.
“To not get the chance to play was pretty gutting, especially as I was going to be captain for the A game against England, which was going to be at Welford Road, which would’ve been really cool for me.
“You’ve got to move on, I guess. Hopefully aim for the autumn tests, coming up, and getting back in that squad.”
Scott picked up where he left off last season by scoring his fifth Tigers try on the occasion of his 26th appearance for the club during the 34-19 victory over Exeter Chiefs.
With Matias Moroni away representing Argentina in the Rugby Championship, he looks set to feature against one of his former clubs, Gloucester, tomorrow night and stake another claim for involvement in Gregor Townsend’s squad for Scotland’s autumn internationals against Tonga, Australia, South Africa and Japan.
“It’s good to be back in that selection mix,” said Scott. “That’s down to the coaching and competition we have here. It’s made me a much better player.
“I feel like I’ve got to fight for my starting jersey every week. Sometimes I don’t get it and that spurs me on even more.
“I just feel like I’ve become a better all-round player, on and off the field, since coming here.
“It’s nice to get recognised with a call-up in the summer.
“There were some guys away with the Lions, so I am under no illusions that there’s going to be a lot more competition for the autumn test squad.
“I’ll do my best. If that’s good enough, I’ll hopefully be involved.”