The biggest season yet for the leading sevens teams is here. With the HSBC World Sevens Series starting in December, teams are starting their preparations. Scotland Sevens core squad named for the biggest season yet in Sevens rugby.
Not only will the Scots be playing in the World Series, they also have the Rugby World Cup Sevens and Commonwealth Games. On top of that, they also have the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix. Plenty of action in months to come.
New Coach John Dalziel takes over from Caluum McRae. Fourteen players have been named in the core side with Scott Riddell again as squad captain. Missing from the squad due to retirement is talisman Mark Robertson.
Scotland Sevens Core Squad Named
The Scots have always been an unpredictable side. On their day, they can beat any team as the English, South Africans and Fiji found out in the past two season. They are the defending London Sevens champions. They have developed well under McRae who gave them freedom to explore their game. However, consistency still remains their Achilles heel.
Familiar names are back in the team like super-sub Joe Nayacavou. He is joined by Hugh Blake, Dougie Fife, Jamie Farndale and James Fleming.
7s | Here is YOUR core Scotland 7s squad for the 2017/18 @WorldRugby7s Series ? #AsOne pic.twitter.com/9BBBVrHYut
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) September 21, 2017
Making their returns are Gavin Lowe, James Johnstone and Nick McLennan. They missed the large part of last season due to injury.
The Enforcers
Robbie Ferguson, a former Glasgow Warriors and London Scottish center joins the side as one of its new enforcers. The 24-year old played who played 13 times for the Scotland U20 is one of Dalziel’s exciting recruits.
He will be joined by Harvey Elms, Nyle Godsmark and Sam Pecqueur who are all named on a part-time basis.
Godsmark has 12 World Series appearances to his name and plays for Melrose in the BT Premiership. Elms plays in the back three for Currie while Pecqueur has played ten times for the national U20 side.
Looking Ahead
Scotland 7s Head Coach John Dalziel speaking to scottishrugby.org said: “I’ve really enjoyed the first few months working with the players and staff. They are a really driven and experienced group.
Spotlight: Scotland’s first ever cup final win at the London sevens – London Videos https://t.co/i5vXbyz3SC pic.twitter.com/dSxGxFDHnh
— London Informer (@london_informer) May 20, 2017
“We have a great mix of experience and youthful exuberance, which is very healthy, as we look at ways to evolve and improve as we move forward.
“Scott Riddell is an excellent professional and a very good leader. He has been a great support to myself in the early stages of my role and is a good person.
“Scott will be vital to the squad’s development as both a player and with the experience he can bring to our young players.
Will the Bravehearts survive the season?
The Scots have the tendency to surprise us when we least expect it. No one gave them a chance to win a World Series title. But to do it back-to-back. It speaks volumes of character and the will to fight in the team.
They have retained their core players. New Coach John Dalziel can rely on them to help the youngsters through the duration of the season. However, how they will fair? We will leave that to time.
Scotland Sevens Core Squad For 2017/18
Hugh Blake (16), Jack Cuthbert (3), Harvey Elms (0)*, Jamie Farndale (21), Robbie Fergusson (0), Dougie Fife (16), James Fleming (43), Nyle Godsmark (12)*, James Johnstone (40), Gavin Lowe (16), Nick McLennan (12), Jo Nayacavou (27), Sam Pecqueur (0)*, Scott Riddell (57) captain
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