Quins fly-half Lang brings physicality to midfield
Scotland summer squad
HARLEQUINS playmaker James Lang will relish the chance to make an impact at international level following his shock call-up for Scotland’s summer tour.
A fly-half by trade, Lang will be handed his Test debut at inside-centre by Scotland boss Gregor Townsend, who admires the 23-year-old’s physicality.
Lang, who revealed he has had to cancel plans for a holiday in India and Thailand, told The Rugby Paper: “I didn’t have any expectations of a call-up so this has come as a shock, although Gregor did tell me earlier this year that he was watching me.
“Although it’s been a disappointing season for the club, I’ve had quite a lot of game time and being selected for this tour is a real bonus. It’s a bit surreal as I’d been planning to go on holiday, but fortunately I hadn’t booked anything.”
Lang added: “Gregor sees me more as a No.12 and hopefully I can go to Canada, the USA and Argentina and show he’s made the right decision. Inside-centre’s a little bit different but I pride myself on defence and enjoy the physical side.
“I’ve worked really hard on my tackling technique and I’ve got the physicality, I just need to keep working on the technical aspects and it will be good to work with the Scotland coaches to hear different voices and get a fresh perspective.”
Lang, who qualifies for Scotland through his family and has previously represented them at U18s level, explained: “My mum’s dad is from Hamilton and I’ve been on the Exiles radar for quite a while having represented them at age group level. “In the U18s I played with three of the boys who are in this current squad, Zander Fagerson, Marcus Bradbury and Jamie Ritchie, left. Ruaridh Jackson was at Harlequins last season so there are a few familiar faces I’ll look forward to meeting.”
Stuart McInally will captain the tour, with six uncapped players in the squad. Lewis Carmichael, Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson, George Horne, Adam Hastings and Lang are the potential debutants.
Six Nations skipper John Barclay is among those rested, along with Greig Laidlaw, Finn Russell and Jonny Gray. Huw Jones, Hamish Watson and WP Nel miss out with injuries.