It’s getting close now! Scotland have announced their final 30 man squad for the Rugby World Cup and with the tournament kicking off in only 17 days, England are set to follow with an announcement later today.
Glasgow Warriors Alastair Kellock has been named captain; one of 12 first timers to the RWC. Of his selection, he said:
“I intend to do my utmost to reward the coaches’ faith in me and make the country proud by what we achieve in New Zealand”
The other players making a first time appearance in a World Cup are: Joe Ansbro , Nick De Luca, Max Evans, Ruaridh Jackson, Graeme Morrison, Geoff Cross, Richie Gray, Moray Low, Ross Rennie, Alasdair Strokosch and Richie Vernon.
Despite there being a dozen RWC newbies, the squad comprises considerable experience across the ranks; Mike Blair, Chris Cusiter, Sean Lamont, Kelly Brown, Ross Ford, Allan Jacobsen – all seasoned multi-capped players with World Cup experience. Of course, this list is headed up by Chris Patterson with 105 caps to his name and heading for his fourth consecutive World Cup.
Backs –
Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Mike Blair (Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Castres), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh)
Forwards –
John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Nathan Hines (Clermont Auvergne), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks)
Leave a comment to let me know what you think of the line-up. Who’s missing? Who’s going to shine in NZ?
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