Scotland 7s boosted by Grant and Hogg
Mon, 17 May 2010 14:06
Eight members of last year's record-breaking Scotland sevens squad have been named in this year's draft for the final two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in London [May 22 & 23] and Edinburgh [ May 29 & 30].
Having reached back-to-back semifinals for the first time in both events 12 months ago, coach Stephen Gemmell is delighted to welcome so many back for what he has described as "the best rugby event you can get".
"It's hugely exciting for me to get a squad like this together," he said.
"We've gone for as strong a squad as we can get which is traditionally what we have done in London and Edinburgh.
"It's certainly pleasing for me, and hopefully the public, to see eight of the players involved last year back in for the final two legs of this year's World Series."
Six players in the squad have been drafted from the Edinburgh professional team whilst all three fulltime sevens exponents are also included, one of whom [Colin Shaw] played in last week's Magners League semifinal playoff with Glasgow Warriors.
But despite being involved in a long and hard domestic season, Gemmell has been impressed with the enthusiasm of those he has assembled.
"What is really pleasing for me as a coach is that every player here is desperate to be involved. All those that are here are keen to play for Scotland."
This year's World Series has been one of the most competitive to date, especially following the decision to include the sport in the Olympic programme in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Scotland have continuously raised their game for the only two UK legs of the Series and Gemmell is excited about the tests that await his charges over the coming weeks.
"Our challenge over the next two weeks is to get these guys up to speed with sevens and put on a performance firstly they can be proud of and then something the public can get behind.
"The standard has moved on since last year. We have to look forward and develop our game at a speed that not only we can be competitive in London, which is our first challenge, but move on from that.
"When we get back to Murrayfield - which is always massively important for anyone involved in Scotland sevens - we want to be hitting the ground running so we are in a position to achieve something special."
So many countries have increased their focus on the abbreviated game since the Olympic decision, and Gemmell is convinced that those thinking of attending the Edinburgh sevens at the end of the month will be treated to a spectacle unique to the Scottish sporting calendar.
"This Series has been massively exciting for people watching it. I believe that this is the best rugby event you can get and those that have been to Murrayfield before will testify to that.
"There's a great atmosphere. What a difference it makes to a Scotland team when you've got a big crowd behind you cheering you on.
"Games are traditionally tight in sevens so it makes a big difference having someone helping you over the line."
Scotland sevens squad: Scott Forrest (Captain), Mike Adamson, Alex Blair, Chris Fusaro, Roddy Grant, Ally Hogg, John Houston, Lee Jones, Greig Laidlaw, Mark Robertson, Colin Shaw, Andrew Turnbull.
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