JONES KEEPS COUNSEL ON CENTRE’S SCOTLAND SWITCH

Eddie Jones is never usually short of something to say – but the England coach has refused to be drawn on Cameron Redpath’s decision to play for Scotland. Jones had previously included the inside centre in his squad to tour South Africa in 2018, only for the player to withdraw with a knee injury.

Redpath, inset above, is dual-qualified and although he played for England at under-20 level he looks set to win his first full cap with Scotland after being named in Gregor Townsend’s Six Nations squad.

Asked about Redpath’s decision, Jones said: “I don’t comment on other teams’ selection policies.

“I’ve enough problems of my own without worrying about other countries.

“I’m only interested in players who are available for England. If he’s selected for Scotland, he’s not available for England.”

Redpath joined the Scotland training camp at Oriam this week and Townsend reported that most of the squad were in good health, although a concern remains around flanker Jamie Ritchie who suffered a head knock in training with Edinburgh a fortnight ago.

Scotland kick off their Guinness Six Nations campaign against England at Twickenham on February 6.

Townsend said: “We are confident enough that he is making progress. He feels much better about where he is. He ran yesterday and had no reaction, did skill work today and has been involved a lot of the sessions.

“We are 10 days away from the game. By the weekend we should be in a much better position to see if he can play in that game.”