SRU fight to prise Allan away from Italy
EMBaRRaSSED SRU chiefs will make a last-ditch attempt to win back young standoff Tommaso allan from the clutches of Italy. They were stunned yesterday when the former Scotland Under-20 player was named in Italian coach Jacques Brunel’s squad for the autumn internationals against Fiji, australia and argentina.
Scotland i nterim head coach Scott Johnson had been set to name allan in his own squad for the matches against Japan, South africa and australia at Murrayfield in November, but was beaten to the punch by Brunel, who travelled to Perpignan to convince the youngster to switch allegiances.
Sportsmail understands that Vern cotter, the man who will take over as Scotland head coach next June, has demanded the SRU pull out all the stops to win back allan as he rates him very highly.
The clermont auvergne coach saw the 20-year-old make his debut for Perpignan against Racing Metro earlier this season and score 11 of his side’s 16 points, and feels he has the potential to be an outstanding international stand-off.
It i s understood that senior figures within the SRU will contact allan as soon as possible to clarify if he is fully committed to Italy, or is still in two minds over who to play for at international level.
an SRU spokesman said they had not given up hope of securing the services of allan, who has played for Scotland’s Under- 17, Under- 18 and Under- 20 teams, but has never represented Italy at any level.
‘We are seeking clarification on his future,’ said an SRU spokesman. ‘ We have been monitoring Tommaso allan’s progress for some time now and we will continue to do so.’
Whether they succeed or not, a major inquiry will be carried out at Murrayfield into why the player, who was born in Vicenza in Italy to an Italian mother and a Scottish father, had been allowed to slip through the SRU’s fingers.
allan, who answered to the name of Tommy when playing for the age-grade teams, was viewed as someone who could challenge Duncan Weir, Ruaridh Jackson and Tom Heathcote for the Scotland stand-off jersey.
Tommaso’s uncle, former Scotland international John allan, last night said he was ‘ slightly confused’ as to why he had been allowed to switch allegiances.
‘I’m a proud uncle, but also slightly confused,’ said allan. ‘I was always pushing Tommaso — or Tommy as I call him — to play for Scotland. But I think he’ll go for whoever gets in first.
‘The only problem I have is why did Scotland let this opportunity slip through their hands?’