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The twelve strong sevens squad to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth
Youth Games 2004 has been selected. The Games take place in Bendigo, Australia
from 29 November to 4 December.
The squad includes The Borders' apprentice full-back and former Scotland
under-18 captain James King, Scotland under-19 and Gala wing Lee Kibble
and two-time Bell Lawrie White Scottish Schools Cup winning full-back
Jonathon Alston, formerly of Dollar Academy and now with Dundee HSFP.
Out of the twelve man squad, nine have represented Scotland at under-18
level with the remaining three having played for Scotland under-18A. All
players taking part were born after 1 January 1986.
The sevens squad will travel with 57 other Scottish athletes to Bendigo
where a total of 24 countries will take part in the competition. As well
as rugby sevens, Scotland will compete in athletics, badminton, boxing,
cycling, gymnastics, lawn bowls, swimming and weightlifting.
Scotland sevens manager Peter Gallagher said: "With sevens now an
important part of our elite young player development process, the Games
provide an excellent opportunity for this age group to demonstrate their
skills in a very competitive environment.
"This is the first time we have concentrated on sevens at this level
and there is no doubt that this may well form a pattern for our future
player development," he added.
Scotland sevens coach Rob Moffat said: "The boys have trained very
well over the past three months and travelling to Australia as part of
the Scottish team is a fantastic opportunity for them. We are looking
forward to the chance to play against top opposition in a high pressure
environment."
Louise Martin, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland said:
"I am delighted that Scottish Rugby has confirmed its team today
for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo next month. Rugby sevens is
now a core sport of the Commonwealth Games and this is an important development
opportunity for the team to get involved at youth level and experience
a multi-games environment."
THE SQUAD AND THEIR SEVENS' POSITIONS
Jonathon Alston (Dundee HSFP), centre/wing
Scott Burnett (Dundee HSFP), hooker/prop
Sean Crombie (Kirkcaldy), hooker/prop
Andrew Easson (Heriot's), centre/prop
Calum Forrester (GHA), prop
Jamie Hood (Stewart's Melville FP), scrum-half
Tane Jericevich (Aberdeen GSFP), centre/stand-off/scrum-half
Lee Kibble (Gala), wing/centre/hooker
James King (The Borders), stand-off/scrum-half
Chris Lawson (Gala Wanderers), wing/centre
David McCall (Stewart's Melville College), wing/centre
Ross Rennie (Stewart's Melville FP), prop
Ends
For further information please contact
David Sutherland, 0131 346 5166
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