Gregor confident he’ll have his men
Gregor Townsend is confident that he will be able to pick his England-based players for the rearranged 6 Nations finale in France on Friday, writes ALAN SHAW.
Incredibly, the new date for the game, postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak in Les Bleues’ squad, was agreed by rugby’s powers-that-be before an agreement was reached for Scotland to have access to their exiles.
Negotiations were ongoing yesterday with England’s clubs said to be holding out for more compensation for releasing their players.
But speaking immediately after his side recorded a thumping win against Italy, the Scotland coach confirmed a deal was imminent.
“I’ve just been told negotiations are coming to an end and there’s a positive outcome.
“I don’t know the exact details but what I’m hearing is that we’ll be able to select from a strong squad and our players will be released. I don’t know how many yet, but it’s looking positive.
“It’s encouraging because on Saturday morning we didn’t have those details confirmed.
“I’m not sure yet on the details, I just know that it’s going to be a positive outcome. Whether that’s all the players or the majority, we’ll find out soon.”
Asked if the exiles who’d played their part in yesterday’s record win were relieved at likely being available for Paris, Townsend added: “We’ve not talked about it with the players yet.
“We’ll do that once we get back to the hotel. It’s a live situation and we only heard about it at the end of our game
“I don’t believe the players thought about it. They had a game to focus on, and they would have then hoped to be available for selection next week. We’ll be able to say that to the squad later.”