Beattie announces core Scotland 7s squad

The 14-man selection will provide the foundation of Scotland’s squad for the season and will be augmented throughout the campaign by eligible and available players.

Beattie, who is embarking on his inaugural season in charge of the national team, said: “We have trained really well over and can’t wait to get the series underway in Dubai next month.

“The squad represents a genuine blend of experienced heads and raw talent, something that bodes well for the next six months of competition across some iconic venues.

“The 2019/20 HSBC World Sevens Series promises to be as fiercely contested as ever but we’ll work hard as a group to compete with the very best.

“In an Olympic year, there’s an extra incentive for our boys to go out and give a good account of themselves to the world.”

Kyle Rowe, Scott Bickerstaff and Femi Sofolarin are included in the core group for the first time, with the latter two primed for their Scotland 7s debut.

Bickerstaff earns recognition for some stellar performances for Marr in the Tennent’s Premiership, while exciting former Scotland U18 wing Sofolarin also joins the squad.

Scotland cap and Edinburgh centurion Tom Brown is the fourth and final new addition to the core group and adds his considerable experience to the squad.

They are joined by experienced sevens exponents Jamie Farndale and Nyle Godsmark – who enter their fifth full season on the circuit – Robbie Fergusson and Ally Miller – both of whom offer professional rugby experience – alongside the prolific Gavin Lowe, who is approaching 500 tournament career points.

Those returning for their third season with the national sevens squad include Alec Coombes, Harvey Elms, Ross McCann and Max McFarland, with Sam Pecqueur entering his second full campaign.

SCOTLAND 7s core squad for the 2019/20 HSBC World Sevens Series:

Scott Bickerstaff*
Tom Brown (2)**
Alec Coombes (10)
Harvey Elms (15)
Nyle Godsmark (27)
Jamie Farndale (41)
Robbie Fergusson (19)
Gavin Lowe (34)
Ross McCann (11)
Max McFarland (20)
Ally Miller (14)
Sam Pecqueur (10)
Kyle Rowe (2)**
Femi Sofolarin*

* Denotes uncapped Scotland 7s player
** Denotes new addition to Scotland 7s core squad