Learning experience is approaching for Toolis

BEN Toolis knows he may struggle to get a game for Scotland during the RBS Six Nations rugby championship but he reckons it will still be a golden opportunity.

The Edinburgh second-rower is one of five locks named by Vern Cotter in his squad.

He admits he is likely to be left in reserve, with brothers Jonny and Richie Gray certain to start the opener against Ireland on February 4, while Tim Swinson and Grant Gilchrist battle it out for a place on the bench.

However, Toolis, who won his only cap as a replacement against Italy in last year’s Six Nations, believes the lessons he can learn from his colleagues will only improve his performances.

He said: “We have a lot of meetings and go through a lot of analysis, so there is plenty of opportunity to look at the other lads’ games.

“I’m happy with the way I’m going and there is just a few little things I need to fix.

“The other guys are great to work with, too. We’re a team and, even though we’re competing for the same jerseys, there is nobody being selfish.

“I think the boys all want to help each other out because we know what we want to achieve in the Six Nations.

“They want to make sure that everyone is doing the right thing.”

Toolis did confess his scope for action will be limited, especially with the way the younger Gray sibling is performing at present.

The Glasgow skipper tops the Champions Cup tackling statistics and leads the way for Warriors when it comes to ball carries in European competition.

“Jonny is a real workhorse,” said Toolis. “He never stops running. It’s quite impressive, he keeps on going.”