Perth speedster back to boost Scots for Las Vegas

RUGBY: Fleming and McLennan add experience to sevens squad

Perth’s James Fleming has been named in the Scotland 7s squad for the first time this season after shoulder surgery.

The speedster has over 100 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tries but has missed the opening four tournaments this year.

Nick McLennan also returns for the Las Vegas leg after injury kept him out of the tournaments in Australia and New Zealand.

Edinburgh Rugby’s Darcy Graham is named having impressed in the opening tournament in Dubai back in December where he was named in the ‘Dream Team’.

Also included is uncapped Kyle Steyn. A product of the Stellenbosch system in South Africa, the 24-year old is a winger in the XV-a-side game and plays for Griquas in the Currie Cup. He qualifies to play for Scotland through his mother.

Scotland have been drawn alongside Argentina, New Zealand and Uruguay in their group.

Scotland 7s head coach John Dalziel said: “Argentina have been in impressive form this season, reaching the final in Cape Town, and with New Zealand sitting second overall there’s no doubt we have a very tough group.

“Uruguay are a dangerous unknown quantity and not having much footage on them makes them unpredictable.

“It’s great to add some experience to a young group with James Fleming and Nick McLennan.

“Equally the inclusion of the exciting Darcy Graham and Nyle Godsmark, who has trained very well, is a boost.

“Kyle joins us from the Griquas club in South Africa. He has played a lot of 7s at age-grade level and is very quick and powerful weighing in at over 100kg.

“So far this season two quarter-finals has been pleasing, especially considering the relative inexperience of the group.

“We now look for more consistency in our performances which will come with experience playing at this level.”

Picture: Steve MacDougall. James Fleming with some young players at a Perthshire Rugby Club open day.