Scottish Professional players

by Majestic83 Mon Jan 05, 2015 12:29 pm

First topic message reminder :

Was rather bored at work this morning and was thinking about how Scotland have a relatively small player base to pick from. I decided to compile a list of all the Scottish players
playing professionally that I could think of.

Scotland qualified players
Props 30
A Dickinson(Edinburgh), A Dell(Edinburgh), R Sutherland(Edinburgh), G Shiells(Edinburgh), J Cosgrove(Edinburgh/London Scottish) R Grant(Glasgow), G Reid(Glasgow), A Allan(Glasgow), G Strain(Glasgow) K traynor(Bristol), R Hislop(Rotherham), C Fenton(Glasgow EDP), C Quigley(Doncaster Knights)
W P Nel(Edinburgh), S Berghan(Edinburgh), C Sheldon(Edinburgh), E Murray(Agen), J Welsh(Newcastle), M Cusack(Glasgow), Z Fargeson(Glasgow), D Rae(Glasgow), G Hunter(Glasgow), G Cross(London Irish), M Low(Exeter), D Young(London Scottish), B Prescott(London Scottish, P Cringle(Carcassone), J Gilding(L Welsh) N Fraser (North harbour Rays), J Sebastian(Glasgow)

Hookers 17
R Ford(Edinburgh), N Cochrane(Edinburgh), J hilterbrand(Edinburgh/Kings), S McInally(Edinburgh), G Turner(Edinburgh), P MacArthur(Glasgow), F Brown(Glasgow), K Bryce(Glasgow), F Scott(Glasgow), J Malcolm(Glasgow EDP), S Lawson(Newcastle), A Walker(Trailfinders), D Cherry( London Scottish),J Kerr(Edinburgh), S James(Scotland U20s/Bedford Blues), R Anderson(Jersey), Q MacDonald(Blues)

Locks 28
G Gilchrist(Edinburgh), F McKenzie(Edinburgh), B Toolis(Edinburgh), A Toolis(Edinburgh), J Gray(Glasgow), T Swinson(Glasgow), K Low(Glasgow), A Davidson(Glasgow EDP/London Scottish), S Cummings(Glasgow EDP), A Redmayne(Glasgow EDP), J Hamilton(Saracens), S MacLeod(Newcastle), S Tomes(Newcastle), A Crammond(Toulon), A Sinclair(Albi), R Gray(Castres), G Young(Newcastle) N Patrick (London Scottish)) N Campbell (Jersey), Josh T Brown(London Scottish), A Muldowney(Connacht), C Hunter-Hill(Glasgow EDP), M Douglas(Melbourne Rising) A Craig(Gloucester)(also B/R), T Ryder(Yorkshire carnegie), O Atkins(Exeter), K McDonald(Glasgow EDP), A Grant(Oxford Uni)

Backrow 41
J Hardie(Edinburgh), H Watson(Edinburgh), J Ritchie(Edinburgh), M Bradbury(Edinburgh), A Miller (Edinburgh) H Blake(Glasgow), J Strauss(Glasgow), C Fusaro(Glasgow), T Holmes(Glasgow), W Bordill(Glasgow), T Spinks(Jersey), R Harley(Glasgow), J Eddie(Glasgow), R Wilson(Glasgow), A Ashe(Glasgow),J Hill(Glasgow), D Denton(Bath), A Hogg(Newcastle), K Brown(Saracens), B Cowan(London Irish), J Barclay(Scarlets), M Eadie(Bristol), J Beattie(Castres), A Strokosh(Perpignan), D Sisi(Bath/London Irish), E Masterson( Connacht), K Murphy( London Welsh), M Smith(Glasgow EDP), S Dewar(Scotland 7s), M Fedo(Scotland 7s), S Riddell(Scotland 7s), G Graham(Jersey), S Newlands(Carcassone), Iain Grieve(Ealing Trailfinders), J Tyas(Chinnor), Z Mercer(Bath), S Dougall(Pau), M Dewar(Glasgow EDP), L Wynne(Glasgow EDP), B Flockhart(Glasgow EDP), E Dixon(Highlanders), B Thomson(Hurricanes), S Underhill(Ospreys)

Scrum Half 20
S Hidalgo-Clyne(Edinburgh), S Kennedy(Edinburgh), M McAndrew(Edinburgh) N Fowles(Edinburgh) H Fraser(Edinburgh EDP),A Glashan(Edinburgh), G Hart(Glasgow), H Pyrgos(Glasgow),A Price(Glasgow), M McConnel(Nottingham), C Cusiter(Sale), G Laidlaw(Gloucester), M Blair(Glasgow), S Steele(London Irish), J Stevenson(Wasps) B McKibbin(London Irish) , M Heeks(London Scottish), B Vellacott(Gloucester/Scotland U20), R Weir(London Scottish), J Turner(Western Force), G Horne(Glasgow EDP/London Scottish)

Stand Off 18
G Tonks(Edinburgh), B Kinghorn(Edinburgh), J Te Rure(Edinburgh),T Heathcote(Worcester), F Russel(Glasgow), D Weir(Glasgow), G Hunter(Glasgow), R Jackson(Wasps), L Millar(London Scottish), B Chalmers(Bordeaux), H Leonard(Yorkshire Carnegie) R Hutchison(Northampton) A Hastings(Bath)
D McKenzie (Chiefs) G Lowe(Glasgow EDP/Scotland 7s), S Wight(Scotland 7s), G Haldane(Northampton Saints), F Gillies(Cambridge Uni)

Wings 22
D Fyfe(Edinburgh),T Brown(Edinburgh) , D Hoyland(Edinburgh), B Robbins(Edinburgh EDP/Scotland U20s), J Farndale(Edinburgh/Scotland 7s), S Maitland(London Irish), T Seymour(Glasgow), S Lamont(Glasgow), L Jones(Glasgow), R Hughes(Glasgow), J Bulumakau(Glasgow Warriors), T Visser(Harlequins), G Watkins(Bristol) J McNicholl(Crusaders) M Russell(Warrington RL), J McManus(Newcastle knights RL) R Nairn(harlequins), A Coombes(London Scottish/Scotland U20), J Fleming(Scotland 7s), M Robertson (Glasgow/Scotland 7s), C Kinloch(Ealing Trailfinders), A Bulumakau(Doncaster Knights), D Flockhart(Doncaster Knights),

Centres 23
M Scott(Edinburgh), C Auld(Edinburgh)?, C Dean(Edinburgh),J Johnstone(Edinburgh/Scotland 7s) A Dunbar(Glasgow), P Horne(Glasgow), M Bennett(Glasgow), R Vernon(Glasgow), F Lyle (Glasgow),R Fergusson(Glasgow EDP/London Scottish)),J Steele(Glasgow EDP) , N Grigg(Glasgow EDP), D Taylor(Saracens), M Doneghan(London Scottish), A Grove(Worcester), N De Luca(Biarittz), O Grove(London Scottish) H Jones(Stormers & Western Province), K Linnett(North Queensland Cowboys RL/ Scotland RL) J Wardle (Huddersfield Giants RL/Scotland RL), P Kelly(le Parc/Scotland U20s), N Godsmark(Glasgow/Scotland 7s), N Herron(Glasgow EDP/Scotland 7s), C Jackson(London Scottish), R Thompson(Highlanders), J Williams(London Irish)

Full Backs 14
J Cuthbert(Edinburgh), N McLennan(Edinburgh), S Hogg(Glasgow), P Murchie(Glasgow), G Bryce(Glasgow), S MacColl(Gloucester), B McGuigan(Exeter), A Tait(Newcastle),) R Robinson(Toyota Verblitz) B Ransom(Saracens) L Coote(North Queensland Cowboys RL/Scotland RL) K Locke(Salford Reds RL) R Howarth (Edinburgh EDP/Scotland U20s), S McNicol(Chiefs)

This is all the players that I could come up with, I put in a couple like Matt Russell who plays rugby league but a few people have mentioned as to someone who could make a very good outside back in Union and is still pretty young.
There doesn't seem to be as many players playing overseas as I thought there might have been. I have included players playing in the pro 12, Aviva, English Championship, Top 14, pro D2 and a few super rugby players that I could think off.
Does anyone know of any other Scottish or Scottish qualified players that I have missed.
Feel free to add to the list.
For me Tighthead is a little short of good depth and also wingers are a little short of top quality, more than I realised.
Overall though I think the depth and quality is a lot better than what it has in recent years and with a good amount of players coming through from age grade it should improve.

by madmaccas Mon Feb 23, 2015 5:04 pm

cp10 wrote:Playing Lee and Huw Jones on the same team will really confuse the Welsh. Any other Welsh sounding players?

Steve Shingler?

by lostinwales Mon Feb 23, 2015 5:17 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
cp10 wrote:Playing Lee and Huw Jones on the same team will really confuse the Welsh. Any other Welsh sounding players?
Only the Edinburgh show pony Dai Denton.

Mark Bennett - that's a Welsh surname. He's also world class.

Just because a famous Welshman had that surname doesn't make it welsh.

by **George Carlin** Mon Feb 23, 2015 5:19 pm

lostinwales wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
cp10 wrote:Playing Lee and Huw Jones on the same team will really confuse the Welsh. Any other Welsh sounding players?
Only the Edinburgh show pony Dai Denton.

Mark Bennett - that's a Welsh surname. He's also world class.

Just because a famous Welshman had that surname doesn't make it welsh.

Bennett is thought to derive from 'Benedict' (from the Latin 'Benedictus'), which would give it English origins.

by 123456789 Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:24 pm

cp10 wrote:Playing Lee and Huw Jones on the same team will really confuse the Welsh. Any other Welsh sounding players?

John Welsh, Mark Bennett, Max Evans, Steve Shingler

by Nematode Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:15 pm

Locke might be worth a punt on trial to Edinburgh - they seem to like their trials.

I just fear that someone who was once touted to play for NZ RL is being offloaded by Salford - and they're not to keen to keep him if they're contacting the SRU... Also his highlights reel doesn't set the heather alight - you could make a better one for Max Evans (who isn't in the Scotland squad).

I'd rather see Huw Jones signed in all honesty.

by Nematode Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:18 pm

KEVIN LOCKE

"Mark Dodson, the chief executive of the Scottish Rugby Union, has told MEN Sport that they, as the game’s governing body, plan to speak with Locke and will be making him a contract offer to consider a cross code switch." MEN

by 123456789 Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:22 pm

yeah but Max Evans has been for just under 0.3% of his career a magical player, it's just the other 99.7% that is the issue. I'd like to see this Locke guy signed for a year on a relatively small contract, with an option to extend it at a significantly higher rate if he impresses. Let's not get lulled into the English habit of league player= good player. Having said that a Chris Ashton esque player could be exactly what Scotland need.

by **RDW** Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:42 pm

Nematode wrote:Locke might be worth a punt on trial to Edinburgh - they seem to like their trials.

I just fear that someone who was once touted to play for NZ RL is being offloaded by Salford - and they're not to keen to keep him if they're contacting the SRU... Also his highlights reel doesn't set the heather alight - you could make a better one for Max Evans (who isn't in the Scotland squad).

I'd rather see Huw Jones signed in all honesty.

Wow you have high standards - it shows him scoring some incredible tries at top level rugby league, you couldn't ask for much more really!

His groin injury is a worry though.

by Nematode Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:54 pm

High standards?

If he was as good as his highlight reel would suggest, why are Salford trying to offload him?

by **RDW** Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:12 pm

Well sounds like it's because he's been carrying a groin injury. Plus you can't just transplant someone into a completely new environment and expect them to be just as good - we should remember a certain Sam Burgess in this regard!

I'm no league expert, but when you see him scoring very good tries in probably the best league in the world, he's definitely got pedigree! All I'm saying is you really couldn't have asked more from a highlights reel...

by Nematode Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:23 pm

Sean Maitland scored good tries in the best rugby league for Crusaders and, whilst he is a solid player, he's had a bit of a drought in terms of tries at Glasgow and for Scotland.

If he does just need time to recover, then why are Salford trying to get rid of him? It doesn't stack up for me.

It just frustrates me a little seeing someone as high up in the SRU as Dodson and Johnson getting involved travelling to Manchester to try and sign someone who is broken and hasn't met the standards expected of him yet they are letting some key Scottish players go. Let him come to us is what I say.

by Majestic83 Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:26 pm

Not sure about this move for kevin Locke. He does look a v good league player in his highlights clip. However if he is that good why Re Salford letting him go? Been speaking to a couple mates from the north of England who are big into league and they thought he was a great player but has been out of sorts and don't rate him as much now. They also said he seems to have lost a lot of pace since his knee injury. Could be quite a gamble signing him. As nematode says I'd go for a trial contract for a few months and see if he has got the talent for Union.
If not there are plenty other options like robbie Robinson, how jones etc.

by Majestic83 Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:36 pm

Just seen on Twitter kevin Locke has said to some Salford fan he is staying at Salford!

by madmaccas Tue Feb 24, 2015 2:18 pm

Majestic83 wrote:Just seen on Twitter kevin Locke has said to some Salford fan he is staying at Salford!

Yeah just seen that. How weird.

Dodson said Salford owner Koukash contacted him last week saying they could speak to Locke, as opposed to the SRU contacting them. Why would they do that? To what end if the player hadn't asked him to or they don't want to unload him. It's not like the player's management contacted them and there's no contract negotiations going on, so it isn't for bargaining's sake.

A very strange episode.

by VinceWLB Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:09 pm

Thats some great list!

Has Bruce Douglas retired? played with the Dragons as recently as the end of last season and did reasonably well.

Also, does Jack Gilding really count as a professional player? you have to wonder Shocked

by alive555 Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:20 pm

Majestic83 wrote:Just seen on Twitter kevin Locke has said to some Salford fan he is staying at Salford!

he has but its now been deleted.
mmmmm....

by EWT Spoons Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:26 pm

Don't know if he has more than one twitter account, but on the one I'm looking at the posts are still there.

by alive555 Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:34 pm

https://twitter.com/Kevin_Locke1

the post i saw was feb 23rd. ?

by **RDW** Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:39 pm

no mate staying

yea I'm all good. Just rumours. I know wat the truth is and truth is I love it here. I actually do

by **George Carlin** Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:00 pm

Christ, Twitter is banal.

The best that can be said about it is that his netball playing girlfriend is quite the lovely thing.

I am not banking on himm moving to union, to be honest. Sounds like a youngfeller who doesn't know where his head is at.

by **RDW** Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:23 pm

George Carlin wrote:

The best that can be said about it is that his netball playing girlfriend is quite the lovely thing

Sounds like a youngfeller who doesn't know where his head is at.

I suspect the latter is because of the former...

by funnyExiledScot Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:36 pm

Ouch, such cynicism from the man shortly heading down the aisle!

I'm sure when he shows the young lady some photos of Glasgow and explains the ease with which one can visit Ayr, she will park any reservations and jump on the next plane. Women are reasonable like that.

by funnyExiledScot Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:38 pm

Speaking of the big day where's my invite?? I don't want to have to come as Schizoid's plus one either!

by **George Carlin** Wed Feb 25, 2015 7:08 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:Ouch, such cynicism from the man shortly heading down the aisle!

I'm sure when he shows the young lady some photos of Glasgow and explains the ease with which one can visit Ayr, she will park any reservations and jump on the next plane. Women are reasonable like that.

Fact. Glasgow Central to Ayr is only 48 minutes on a Scotrail service, provided you don't stop at Linlithgow and nobody throws stones at the windows in Irvine.

by **RDW** Wed Feb 25, 2015 7:39 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:Speaking of the big day where's my invite?? I don't want to have to come as Schizoid's plus one either!

Eh, no chance.

She already thinks V2 is full of dirty old men trying to groom me, I don't want her meeting any of you and being proved right!

She does that enough as it is!

by **George Carlin** Wed Feb 25, 2015 8:14 am

Wait until she finds out that Biltong is actually a 18 year old transgender hermaphrodite vegetarian dwarf from the High Veldt.
But that's top secret, though. Oops.

by **RDW** Wed Feb 25, 2015 8:19 am

George Carlin wrote:
Fact. Glasgow Central to Ayr is only 48 minutes on a Scotrail service, provided you don't stop at Linlithgow and nobody throws stones at the windows in Irvine.

Is that a joke about Scotrail's ineptitude or you showing a staggering lack of knowledge on Scotland's geography?

If it is the first one then clap

, if it is then second then laughing

by SecretFly Wed Feb 25, 2015 11:57 am

George Carlin wrote:Wait until she finds out that Biltong is actually a 18 year old transgender hermaphrodite vegetarian dwarf from the High Veldt.
But that's top secret, though. Oops.

Are you prejedudzzessed against transgender hermaphrodite vegetarian dwarves????? Are you saying the shouldn't have the right to marry ...themselves?

by jimbopip Wed Feb 25, 2015 12:45 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Speaking of the big day where's my invite?? I don't want to have to come as Schizoid's plus one either!

Fes, Schiz will have his usual +5: it's the only way he can all get in. And he gets a whole row to himself.
RDW, why would we be grooming the groom?

by Majestic83 Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:35 pm

Was reading an interview with one of the Bath coaches and he was talking up Adam Hastings(Gavins son) who is a fly half and been playing for Millfield school and Bath's academy team. Saying he looks a very good prospect and could be signed up over the summer to the senior Bath squad. Think he has played a few "A" games for Bath this season as well.

Also found 2 brothers who potentially could have Scottish parents/grandparents playing for the Chiefs in the super rugby. Damian and Marty McKenzie who have played NZu20s recently and both in the chiefs first team squad. Both cover fly half and Damian also plays full back. Damian has hit the headlines more and had more game time and is being tipped to push Aaron Cruden very hard for a starting spot at 10 after some great performances recently.
One of my old team mates cousin plays for the chiefs so getting him to check!

by **George Carlin** Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:41 pm

SecretFly wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Wait until she finds out that Biltong is actually a 18 year old transgender hermaphrodite vegetarian dwarf from the High Veldt.
But that's top secret, though. Oops.

Are you prejedudzzessed against transgender hermaphrodite vegetarian dwarves????? Are you saying the shouldn't have the right to marry ...themselves?

Scottish Professional players - Page 2 Smiley11

by **RDW** Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:44 pm

Closer to home, 2 of the Scotland under 18 squad play for my rugby club, and I asked them if any of the players in their team looked to be genuine internationalists of the future.

They said that the stand off and one of the 2nd rows (who is 6ft 7) are a cut above the rest and look destined for great things.

I've not been able to find out their names though - there aren't many news articles on the SRU website about the under 18s.

by Majestic83 Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:53 pm

quote="RDW_Scotland"]Closer to home, 2 of the Scotland under 18 squad play for my rugby club, and I asked them if any of the players in their team looked to be genuine internationalists of the future.

They said that the stand off and one of the 2nd rows (who is 6ft 7) are a cut above the rest and look destined for great things.

I've not been able to find out their names though - there aren't many news articles on the SRU website about the under 18s.[/quote]

Yeah not seen much about the current u18s squad, I think they have a game this weekend against England.
The one player I have heard quite a bit about is one of the Wingers playing for Currie Robbie Nairn who is pretty big already for a 17 years old. Think he is 6ft 3 and close to 100kg but is very quick. Scored a few v good tries for currie this season and is going to be on Edinburghs books next season I believe.

by **RDW** Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:59 pm

Interestingly one of the guys at my club is Charlie Shiell - Graham Shiell's son. He's a scrum half and has the best pass I've ever seen at amateur level, and is pretty rapid, but is small (even for a 9). I think he's on the bench against England.

His team has been coached by Graham all the way thorough age grade rugby - dad was obviously wanting his son to follow in his footsteps!

by funnyExiledScot Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:21 pm

Wingers who score tries, scrum halves that can pass?? What has Scottish rugby become??

by Majestic83 Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:38 pm

Added another to the list, Ben Ransom the Saracens Full back.

by nickj Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:51 pm

Cracking additions Maj. You really should drop Sean Lineen a quick note. It seems that the McKenzies are cousins of former Chiefs player Robbie Robinson. Did we ever ascertain whether he was actually SQ?

by EWT Spoons Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:54 pm

Sean Lineen - Linkedin

Easily contactable from the look of things.

by funnyExiledScot Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:55 pm

Ransom would be a handy addition for Edinburgh, as would MacColl at Glaws. I do feel we need another fullback, and preferrably an SQ one who would make our starting XV.

by Majestic83 Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:59 pm

nickj wrote:Cracking additions Maj. You really should drop Sean Lineen a quick note. It seems that the McKenzies are cousins of former Chiefs player Robbie Robinson. Did we ever ascertain whether he was actually SQ?

Yep Robbie Robinson is definitely SQ, a few articles in the NZ herald from a few years back talking about him and maitland being scouted by the SRU. Think Robinson qualifies via grand parents, he is part maori as well.
just noticed Marty McKenzie is already tied to NZ via the al blacks 7s team with 2 caps.

by **George Carlin** Tue Mar 03, 2015 2:01 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:Sean Lineen - Linkedin

Easily contactable from the look of things.

Just endorsed him for 'rugby'. Cool

by Majestic83 Tue Mar 03, 2015 2:02 pm

George Carlin wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:Sean Lineen - Linkedin

Easily contactable from the look of things.
Just endorsed him for 'rugby'.

Haha there are a few at the SRU who shouldn't have that endorsed!!

by **RDW** Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:28 am

I heard last night that Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie apparently has an African cousin -

Mybawsa Ritchie

by MacKnocked-on Wed Mar 04, 2015 9:21 am

Don't know for sure but guess that the Quins fullback Ross Chisholm must have some Scottish ancestry, no idea if he's any good or not as he is very much Mike Brown's cover.

by **RDW** Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:25 am

Can't believe no one picked up on my awful joke! Rolling Eyes

In other news, Kevin Locke has KB'd the SRU according to the Scotsman:

THE Scottish Rugby Union has dropped its interest in luring New Zealand rugby league internationalist Kevin Locke from Super League side Salford City Reds.

Last week it emerged that the SRU was pursuing an interest in signing the 25-year-old full-back after being given permission to talk to the player by the Salford owner Marwan Koukash.

However, it was confirmed yesterday that Locke, who was believed to be Scottish-qualified through his father, would not be switching codes and moving north.

An SRU spokesperson said: “Scottish Rugby was invited to speak to Kevin Locke by Salford City Reds.

“After an initial meeting there has been no further contact with the player.

“As such Scottish Rugby will not be pursuing further talks and has ended its interest in Kevin.

“We would like to thank Salford City Reds for their co-operation in this matter.”

It is believed the player met with SRU officials last week but at the weekend he took to Twitter to assure Salford fans he was staying put.

“The only thing that’s happened with SRU is that we met for a meeting that’s it,” he told one, and revealed to another: “I’ll be honest I met with SRU but was a chat. And if I was going I’d be gone already.”

Cross-code switches are fairly common in Australia, New Zealand and, to a lesser extent, England, where Sam Burgess is the latest high-profile league recruit looking to make it in international union, with a place in the World Cup the primary allure.

Alan Tait is the most famous Scottish cross-coder, although he started in union with Kelso and Scotland before enjoying great success in the then professional code prior to returning to the 15-a-side game.

Prop George Graham also left Stirling County for Carlisle Border Raiders in the early 1990s before returning to win 25 caps for Scotland.

More recently, during Matt Williams’ time as Scotland coach, Ben MacDougall was recruited from Australian rugby league. The centre played for Edinburgh and then the Border Reivers but only made two appearances for the national side in 2006.

Locke, who played for New Zealand in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, including appearances against Scotland in the quarter-finals and Australia in the final, moved from NRL side New Zealand Warriors to Salford last year. He is currently sidelined with a groin injury.

The SRU is looking for back up and/or competition for the incumbent full-back Stuart Hogg. Scottish rugby does not boast a lot of depth and Hogg has almost no challengers for the national No 15 jersey.

In Peter Horne, Scotland were down to what was probably their fourth-choice stand-off against Italy at BT Murrayfield on Saturday. If Hogg were injured his place would probably be taken by a winger, either Tommy Seymour or Sean Maitland, rather than a specialist full-back.

After being given the cold shoulder by the Kiwi league player, the search goes on.

by Majestic83 Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:12 am

Glad the SRU have ended their interest in Kevin Locke, his heart was clearly not in it and he does seem a bit of a tool from what I have heard from a few league fans.
He also seems to be very injury prone so best the SRU have not pursued it.
Plenty other more established players they could go for instead.
My choice would be from either Robbie Robinson, Johnny McNicholl or Huw Jones who looks a cracking player from the couple games I have seen of him playing for the stormers.

by MacKnocked-on Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:27 am

Majestic83 wrote:Glad the SRU have ended their interest in Kevin Locke, his heart was clearly not in it and he does seem a bit of a tool from what I have heard from a few league fans.
He also seems to be very injury prone so best the SRU have not pursued it.
Plenty other more established players they could go for instead.
My choice would be from either Robbie Robinson, Johnny McNicholl or Huw Jones who looks a cracking player from the couple games I have seen of him playing for the stormers.

Some reports I've read online suggest that the SRU had gone as far as agreeing personal terms with Locke and also the transfer terms with Salford before he decided he wasn't interested, they are naturally less than pleased with him.
From what I've read the Scottish Rugby League team are/were also keen for him to play for them in the 4Ns next year but he seems less than committed to that idea as well so they've turned their attentions to the Australian Lachlan Coote instead.
We certainly only want players who are committed to playing for Scotland and I would say this should be looked on as a big missed opportunity for Locke.

by Majestic83 Thu Mar 05, 2015 10:47 am

Yes I would say it is definitely more of a lost opportunity for Locke than it is for the SRU, one which I am sure he will regret in the future. His career in league seems to have stalled at the moment.

by nickj Mon Mar 09, 2015 2:51 pm

Didn't Tomas Francis, the ex London Scottish prop, get mentioned as an option for us a while back? He's training with Wales's 6 Nations squad http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31797174

by Majestic83 Mon Mar 09, 2015 2:56 pm

nickj wrote:Didn't Tomas Francis, the ex London Scottish prop, get mentioned as an option for us a while back? He's training with Wales's 6 Nations squad http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31797174

Don't think he had any Scottish background. Think Edinburgh looked at him before he went to Exeter. There had been talk they were trying to get him as a project player but he chose Exeter and said at the time he wanted to represent England.
Surprised he has jumped ship to Wales so soon.

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