Townsend’s ambassadors help us to attract players
Gregor To w n s e n d continued his penchant for surprise with his Scotland selections as Andy Christie and Ben White – both former England Under- 20 caps – were named for the first time in the squad for the Six Nations.
But the head coach has revealed that when new recruits such as those two do join the squad, it is the result of months if not years of careful work – not only by himself and his assistants. But also by players already in the squad who “sell” Scotland to potential newcomers.
London Irish scrum- half White went so far as being in a senior England squad for an uncapped match against the Barbarians, while Saracens back- row forward Christie has been mentored by England regular Billy Vunipola.
Both men qualify for Scotland on the grandparent rule.
Townsend believes that the open, attacking style of rugby his team play mayy be one re a s o n w h y certain players decide to opt for Scotlandd, but he is also sure that careful ambassadorial work by his existing players is crucial.
“If there is a player we feel can help us, I think it ’s important that thhese connections happen over a long time,” the headd coachh said after naming a squad of 39 for the Championship, which begins on Saturday, February 5 with a home game against England.
“We tr y to connect with them, give them feedback on the games, get to know them as people and show them that we are interested.
“Then, when it comes to selection, it’s about following that up to say they are getting
ccloser to the sqquad.
“T h e respoonses we’ve had from Ben White and Andy Christie, who have not been involved with us before, is that they are absolutely delighted to be involved.
“I t h i n k we have some really good ambassadors as players. They can talk about our environment and how they’ve enjoyed it, how playing international rugby for Scotland is one of the best things you can do in your life.
“Sam Skinner talked about his
first cap as being the best day of his life. Others who have been in the environment and maybe not played have gone away knowing they want to come back and do all they can to make the 23.
“That’s a positive. Maybe also it is rugby that suits their strengths – they think maybe they will get the opportunity to play the rugby that suits them that they want to play.
“All of it is in the mix, but ultimately it is their decision and we are just delighted that we have these players.”
Townsend has seen England play a more- positive game
lately, and believes that this year’s Calcutta Cup clash could be a classic of attacking rugby.
“I hope so,” he added. “I hope the weather is a lot better than it was two years ago – even last year it wasn’t too good down at Twickenham.
“They opened up their game a lot more in November. I hope it is a game of movement. That is how we want to play, and if the opposition want to play that way too then that’s great.
“The team that is more skilful, makes the right decisions, finishes off opportunities, will win.”