SCOTS BEGINNING TO EARN RESPECT, INSISTS HASTINGS

THERE is now little chance of a Scotland player appearing in a Lions Test during the current series but Scott Hastings insists that does not mean there is a lack of quality in our game. The 1990 Grand Slam star is adamant Scottish rugby is ‘on an upward curve’ — and that the future looks bright under new head coach Gregor Townsend. However, he backed claims by 2013 Lions tourist Ryan Grant that there has been a lack of respect for the Scottish clubs and the Guinness Pro12 league in which they play. ‘But that is changing now,’ said Hastings, the two-time Lions tourist. ‘First of all, though, I have to say respect from those outside Scotland for our rugby has to be earned, and that does not happen overnight, but the situation is changing through the efforts of the players. ‘It is true to say that, for many south of the border, the Aviva Premiership is the be-all and end-all and the Pro12 doesn’t matter that much. ‘What is happening now is that there is a sea-change in the way Scottish rugby is being looked upon and the game is on an upward curve. ‘That hasn’t come quickly for the simple reason we haven’t got the results on a consistent level to win respect for our rugby. ‘Glasgow made the European Champions Cup quarter-final this year and, although they were well beaten by Saracens, that made people sit up and take notice. ‘So did our wins over Wales and Ireland in the Six Nations although the calamity against England meant we reverted to type for some people.’ Hastings (below) said the current Lions tour had come ‘a year too soon’ for the current crop of Scottish players who needed an extra season to mature a bit more. ‘Although Scotland won’t have any players in the Test team against New Zealand tomorrow, some were not far away,’ added Hastings. ‘Stuart Hogg was a stick-on to play if he hadn’t got injured and Tommy Seymour has shown on the Lions tour what a great finisher he is, but the two English boys ahead of him are great players, as well. ‘Like Warren Gatland, I would have picked Hogg and Seymour in my original squad but I would also have put Hamish Watson in there. ‘I know there was a clamour for Finn Russell to go but I don’t think he did enough in the Six Nations to merit original selection — and he didn’t play well against Saracens in the Champions Cup. ‘Also, let’s look to the future. The next tour is to South Africa in four years time. You never know, we could have Gregor Townsend in charge of the team and lots of Scots like Hogg, Seymour, Russell, Zander Fagerson, Jonny Gray, and lots of others involved.’

lScott and Jenny Hastings are supporting the 100 Streets Challenge designed to keep people active and improve their mental health by walking, running or cycling on 100 streets. More information at www.100streetschallenge.com