SCOTLAND Under-20s coach John Dalziel has announced a squad of 28 for this year’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which begins in Georgia at the end of this month. The group of 16 forwards and 12 backs includes well-known names such as Edinburgh full-back Blair Kinghorn and Glasgow Warriors and Hawks back-row Matt Fagerson, as well as three potential debutants at this level - forwards Ross Dunbar, Archie Erskine and Thomas Gordon.
“We’ve picked a well-rounded squad which has grown together through their experience of the recent Six Nations,” said Dalziel, whose team are in Pool B along with New Zealand, Ireland and Italy. “The team showed that they are capable of producing some very good rugby, but need to be more consistent. Finding that 80-minute performance will be key to our overall showing in the World Championship.
“We’re up against three quality sides in our pool, with the games made even more difficult taking into account the tight turnaround. The group has learned from their experience on this stage previously, and we’ll look to take that understanding into this year’s tournament. The competition will be play a vital part in these players’ development in the long term and we’re excited to get started in a few weeks’ time.”
Meanwhile, Peter Wilkins, who was released by Edinburgh last week, has been appointed defence coach by Connacht. Wilkins, who performed the same role with the capital side during the last two seasons, latterly as assistant to Duncan Hodge, will join the Irish province in time for the start of pre-season training next month.
Pat Lam, who took Connacht to the PRO12 title last year, is leaving as head coach and will be replaced for next season by Kieran Keane.
Scotland U20 squad: Backs: P Anderson (Melrose), R Dawson (Newcastle), C Eastgate (Wasps), D Graham (Hawick), J Henderson (Glasgow Hawks), R Kay (Heriot’s), B Kinghorn (Edinburgh), S McDowall (Ayr), R McCann (Melrose), R Nairn (Harlequins), C Shiel (Currie), A Simmers (Heriot’s).
Forwards: H Bain (Currie), F Bradbury (Stirling County), A Craig (Gloucester), L Crosbie (Currie), T Dodd (Worcester), R Dunbar (Boroughmuir), A Erskine (Newcastle), M Fagerson, B Flockhart (both Glasgow Hawks), T Gordon (Currie), C Hunter-Hill, A Nicol (both Stirling County), F Renwick (Hawick), R Smith (Ayr), G Thornton (Bishop Burton College), D Winning (Boroughmuir).
Scotland U20 fixtures in Pool B: Wed 31 May v New Zealand v Scotland. Sun 4 v Ireland. Thursday 8 v Italy. All three games take place in Kutaisi and kick off at 10am BST.
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