SCOTLAND's Sevens squad has been spared the axe and as a result will continue to compete in the HSBC Sevens World Series following a "unanimous decision" by the Scottish Rugby Board at its meeting yesterday.
The decision represents a massive change of heart by the Scottish Rugby's executive, who had advised Scotland's sevens players to seek employment elsewhere. But in a defiant display last weekend the Scotland sevens squad, showed that they are capable of competing with the top sides in the world, losing by narrow margins to both New Zealand and South Africa.
Moreover the Scots have achieved a best ever seventh position in the World Series ahead of the final round at Twickenham this weekend, much better than their standing in fifteens rugby and indeed higher than in just about any other sport in which Scotland competes.
Scottish fans were infuriated by the suggestion that the squad would be dissolved and organised an on-line petition. This may or may not have persuaded the Scottish Rugby Board but the ability of the sevens squad to develop a potential international players speaks for itself.
Two of Scotland's most recently capped players, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Adam Ashe undoubtedly accelerated their development by spending a full season on the sevens circuit and history will record that Glasgow's Peter Horne was rescued from oblivion by playing in the World Series. Another prominent Scotland cap who benefitted hugely from international sevens rugby was Greig Laidlaw.
A statement yesterday from Scottish Rugby read: "The positive recent results by the team, heritage of the game in Scotland and incentive of contributing to a future Team GB Olympic 7s squad means Scottish Rugby will continue to support a national 7s team."
It continued : "Discussions will take place with the 7s team and management following the HSBC Sevens World Series tournament in London to plan the structure of the programme for next season."
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