Hoyland is aiming to be a tour operator
GREGOR TOWNSEND may not wish to be reminded of the memorable team uniform of grey shorts, knee-length socks and cowboy hats sported on his first Pacific Islands tour back in 1993. But, as he prepares to lead Scotland to similar venues as head coach, he places a high value on touring.
Townsend turned down the chance to go with the British & Irish Lions this year as assistant to Rob Howley because, as much as he knew he and Scottish rugby would benefit from involvement, his greater priority was the chance to spend six weeks with his new Scotland group.
A tour is the only opportunity for a Test squad to do this away from the intensity of the autumn Tests and Six Nations games.
It is a time when coaches can get to know their players better — and vice versa — to develop an understanding that can form their entire tenure.
Townsend knows most of this squad well, having come from Glasgow Warriors, but for young players particularly this presents a unique opportunity.
When the 44-year-old toured Fiji, Tonga and Samoa in 1993, he had just made his debut off the bench for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup and was behind Ally Donaldson and Craig Chalmers in the queue for the No 10 jersey.
By the start of 1994, the Borderer was a first choice for Scotland.
Tours make Test players and Edinburgh winger Damien Hoyland — called up on Monday with Greig Tonks for next month’s tour to Singapore, Australia and Fiji, after Sean Maitland’s injury withdrawal — hopes that, while he has twice tasted Test rugby off the bench, this will be the platform to launch fully into a Test career.
‘This is a massive opportunity,’ said the 23-year-old. ‘That’s one week down and I have two more weeks to impress Gregor and the other coaches to try to get a starting jersey for the Italy game and push on.
‘If I can play well in any games I get, then that becomes a great opportunity to kick on.
‘Tommy Seymour is guaranteed a place and I’m fighting to be the other starting winger. I will keep fighting until I get that chance.
‘It’s not just me — there are Lee Jones, Rory Hughes and Tim Visser — so it will not be easy. We’re all fighting for a starting place but I feel I’m ready.’
Hoyland only turned to rugby at the age of 14-15 (he’s not sure) after a broken ankle ruined his passion for street skateboarding. There was no rugby at James Gillespie’s High School, but watching his brother play pushed him to sessions at Boroughmuir High.
Though just 5ft 10in, he is a terrific stepper with searing pace and he became an entertaining Scotland player from Under-17 level to running in tries for fun on the world sevens circuit.
‘In terms of my attack it has been there for a while but my defence had to improve this year,’ he acknowledged.
‘Thanks to Pete Wilkins, the defence coach at Edinburgh, who has helped me massively, it’s miles better than at the start of the season, so I’m in a position now where I feel I have something to offer Scotland.’