Scotland manager Vern Cotter has announced a 46 man training squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, to be reduced down to 31 of the fittest players just before the tournament.
To the delight of many Scotand rugby fans, John Barclay will appear for the first time since 2013 having been named the Scarlets management player of the season.
Among those selected for training camp are Hugh Blake, Grant Gilchrist, Ryan Grant, Tim Swinson, Ruaridh Jackson and Al Strokosch. Mike Cusack, Stuart McInally, and Rory Hughes are in this squad, along with Allan Dell and Damien Hoyland who hope to earn first chances of a cap. Giant names missing are Johnnie Beattie, Geoff Cross, Chris Fusaro, Dougie Fife, Roddy Grant and Ben Toolis. Also chosen is Edinburgh’s Alasdair Dickinson with 44 caps and 4 RWC appearances in 2007 and 2011. Ross Ford, also of Edinburgh Rugby, has 85 caps and 8 RWC appearances in 2007 and 2011. Selected is Jim Hamilton of Saracens with 61 caps and 6 RWC appearances in 2007 and 2011. Chris Cusiter of Sale Sharks has 70 caps and 6 RWC appearances in 2007 and 2011.
Other big name Scottish players selected are Nel, Reid, Welsh, Brown, Ford, McInally, Harley, J. Gray, R. Gray, Ashe, Barclay, Cowan, Denton, Strauss, Hildago-Clyne, Laidlaw, Pyrgos, Russell, Weir, Bennett, Dunbar, Scott, Hogg, Seymour, Maitland, Lamont, Visser, and Tonks.
Rugby National Team USA known as The Eagles, has played in all but one Rugby World Cup in the past, however they have not gone past the Group Stage. Watch for great performances from Captain Madison Hughes and top scorer Zack Test who has 53 caps for the United States national rugby team.
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