The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sevens merger would be mistake, says Kennedy
Scotland: Scrum-half says much would be lost with a GB merger
Sean Kennedy believes Scotland will be making a big mistake if they allow the Dark Blues’ sevens side to be merged into a Great Britain outfit.
The Edinburgh scrum-half says his previous experience with the programme, competing on the HSBC World Series, was a major reason for his call-up this week to Gregor Townsend’s 15-man national squad.
He is worried other youngsters will be denied the developmental opportunities he received if plans to unite England, Scotland and Wales under one banner are pushed through.
The controversial scheme has been put forward by World Rugby to placate rival nations who dislike the fact Team GB effectively has three goes at qualifying for the Olympics.
But Kennedy is keeping his fingers crossed the Scottish Rugby Union will palm off the plan.
He said: “I saw a headline about the British teams being merged, but as far as I know there’s a Scottish sevens team next year.
“That’s great because the boys have been flying this year. Look at the last two tournaments – second in Paris, first in London, having won in London last year, too.
“The sevens programme in Scotland is definitely working. Looking at the players who have gone there this season, we have a really good squad.
“I don’t see it as a development team any more. I’ve gone there this season and anyone who has done the same has definitely benefited from being involved.
“Their culture and work ethic is second to none. I’d hate to think they’d get rid of it.”
Kennedy was handed his ticket to Scotland’s Asia-Pacific summer tour after Myreside team-mate Sam Hidalgo Clyne withdrew through injury.
However, he confessed the chances are he will return without collecting his first Test cap.
“I was surprised to get called up,” said Kennedy, who has only just returned from a foot injury. “When I heard Sammy picked up an injury I thought I was just coming in for a couple of days.
“It wasn’t until Monday that I discovered he was out of the tour and I was going, so I was shocked I suppose.
“I’d only rocked up expecting to do a couple of sessions and then go home, so I’m chuffed to bits. Everyone wants to play for their country and hopefully I’ll now get my chance.
“But I know where I stand – I’ve got Ali Price and Henry Pyrgos in front of me. These guys have got caps and have both played in the Six Nations. I’m uncapped but have played a few games for Edinburgh. I’m under no illusions I have a lot of work to do before I’m near that match squad.
“I’m okay with that because I know I’m not the finished article. But I want to get better and if you’ve got someone to chase you’re going to push yourself.”
Next month’s trip – which involves a clash with Italy in Singapore followed by Tests against Australia and Fiji – will give Kennedy the chance to learn from former British and Irish Lion Mike Blair, who stepped up from working with Glasgow to Townsend’s new Dark Blues back-room staff.
“Going on the trip will benefit me,” he said. “I’ve never been on an international tour. I’ve been down to Wales with Alloa. That’s as far as I’ve gone, so it will be really valuable.
“Even if I don’t get a cap, I think just working with different coaches will help me improve.
“The training so far has been really good. For me, getting the chance to work with Mike Blair is really valuable.