There could be a larger-than-normal crowd at Goldenacre tomorrow as Scottish rugby fans try and get a glimpse of Hugh Blake in action.

 

Blake is set to play in his second successive game for Melrose in the BT Premiership away to leaders Heriot's.

The 22-year-old New Zealand-born player was on Tuesday named in Vern Cotter's Scotland squad for the RBS Six Nations as an option for the back-row.

But Blake's inclusion in the squad was highly unexpected given that he has not yet played a match for Edinburgh Rugby, where he arrived on trial last month.

Last week he played in Melrose's 32-8 win over Hawick and before Christmas he also played for Edinburgh 'A' against Glasgow Warriors 'A', but was forced off with a head knock in the first half.

Melrose head coach John Dalziel said: "Hugh Blake is released to get some valuable game time following his injury lay off. This shows good faith and belief by the national coaches in the standard of our BT Premiership."

His opposite number at Heriot's Phil Smith added: "With Hugh Blake getting another opportunity to show his wares before joining up with the Scotland squad, I am sure the interest in the game will be increased."