Home Scots rout Exiles in Under-18 trial match

Selection for the national under-18 team moved forward a stage following the trial match between a Scotland home-based side and a Scottish Exiles XV on the 4G pitch at Murrayfield during the Christmas break.

The match resulted in a 43-17 win for the home Scots but, according to the Scotland under-18 coach, Ally Donaldson, the Exiles were “short of a number of players, required for Academy league matches”.

Donaldson, however, will not be able to call on two outstanding Exiles, Cameron Redpath, the son of former Scotland scrumhalf and captain, Bryan Redpath, and the Bedford centre Fraser Dingwall, who could appear in England colours this season.

Crucially, under-18 rugby does not tie players permanently to England, so both could still be considered for Scotland’s under-20 squad next season.

Among the exiles appearing at Murray field was the former George Watson’s College stand-off, Murray Scott, who is with the Clermont-auvergne under-18 Academy.

“Murray went for a trial with Clermont and was accepted into their Academy. He’s now playing at scrum-half with the French club’s under-18 side.” explained Donaldson, who believes that his side will be better prepared for international rugby. “The guys coming through are now part of a system at under-16 and under-18 levels. The BT Academies and special skills sessions have prepared them better. I think we’re at a higher starting point than last year. The East v West games have also given us a chance to look at players. I would like to think that we’ve not missed anyone.” he said.

The Scotland coach will have a further opportunity to survey talent outwith Scotland when the Exiles play the Boys Clubs of Wales. Then there will be another internal match on 5 February in Edinburgh again involving Exiles.