Scott grafting for next chance with Scotland
MATT Scott has not abandoned hope of playing for Scotland again despite being left out of the squad for the Six Nations.
The 31-year-old Leicester centre won his 40th cap last November when he started against South Africa, his first Test for more than four years, but he did not make Gregor Townsend’s 39-strong squad for the Six Nations, along with his fellow Premiership exiles Adam Hastings and Huw Jones.
“It was amazing to play for Scotland again and I enjoyed it,” said Scott. “It was something I wanted to do having missed it for four years and it was special. If it was the last time, let’s enjoy it but I hope it is not and I am determined to add more.
“The result against South Arica was disappointing, but I took it all in and savoured the occasion. I worked hard to get back into the side and my family were there to watch. I hope I have more opportunities.”
Scott, who won his first cap in 2012 against Ireland when he was 21 having made his debut for Edinburgh
just five months before, added: “I was capped very early and played a lot for Scotland when I was young. When that happens, you can take it for granted. I did not have to graft for my first cap, which was almost given to me.
“I was less mature then but now I appreciate how special it is. When you are young you put pressure on yourself not to make mistakes and your career can be over before it starts.”
Scott has been a regular in Leicester’s side this season which has seen the Tigers, after struggling in recent seasons, take an early lead at the top of the table and remain there at the halfway stage.
“Leicester played a huge part in me getting back into the Scotland side,” said Scott, who joined from Edinburgh in 2020 after an earlier stint at Gloucester. “When I arrived, I put all thoughts of international rugby completely out of my head because I wanted to show I was good enough to be here.
“The coaching is first class and I love coming to the club. It is good fun: we have a laugh but we also work incredibly hard. I have improved as a player and I do not want to be anywhere else.”