Scotland club squad features players from all top-flight sides, plus Gala

Scotland Club XV have announced their squad to take on their Ireland counterparts in the new year.

The squad of 35, representing the best of BT Premiership and National League 1 talent for 2017-18, will play two matches against Ireland, away on Friday 23 February at a venue to be decided and at Netherdale on Friday 6 March. There will also be a training match against Scotland U20 at Oriam on Tuesday 20 February.

All ten top-flight teams are represented as well as Gala, whose stand-off, Gregor Hunter, has been selected from BT National League 1.

League leaders Melrose are rewarded for their strong season so far with ten players picked while reigning BT Premiership champions, Ayr, are represented by eight players.

Melrose’s Rob Chrystie is taking on the coaching duties from Heriot’s Phil Smith this season, assisted by Glen Tippett, and said: “There are some extremely talented players and the programme is excellent for exposing players to a higher level and creating a platform for them to progress their rugby careers.

“I am sure all the players selected will be extremely proud and excited to represent their country.”

Meanwhile, Scotland Women will play their home 2018 Six Nations matches at Scotstoun, it was announced yesterday. The team will face France on Saturday 10 February and England on Friday 23 February.

Scotland Under-20s will play France at Broadwood on Friday 9 February and England at Myreside on Friday 23 February.

SQUAD: Backs: Charlie Shiel (Currie), David Armstrong (Ayr), Murdo Mcandrew (Melrose), Gregor Hunter (Gala), Jamie Forbes (Currie), Craig Jackson (Melrose), George Taylor (Melrose), Robbie Nelson (Currie), Rory Hutton (Watsonians), Ross Curle (Stirling Co), Craig Gossman (Ayr), Fraser Thomson (Melrose), Jordan Edmonds (Boroughmuir), Robbie Nairn (Ayr), Scott Bickerstaff (Marr). Forwards: Adam Nicol (Stirling Co), Nick Fraser (Watsonians), Nick Beavon (Melrose), Sean Muir (Hawick), Steven Longwell (Ayr), Struan Cessford (Heriots), Grant Stewart (Glasgow Hawks), Ross Graham (Watsonians), Russell Anderson (Melrose), Blair Macpherson (Ayr), Jack Turley (Heriots), James Head (Melrose), Robert Mcalpine (Ayr), George Stokes (Ayr), Grant Runciman (Melrose), Ian Moody (Melrose), Pete Mccallum (Ayr), Neil Irvine Hess (Melrose), Rory Drummond (Watsonians), Thomas Gordon (Currie).