Ford Appointed Scotland Captain

Ross Ford, the 27-year-old Edinburgh Rugby hooker, was today appointed Scotland captain for the opening match of the RBS 6 Nations Championship against England at Murrayfield on Saturday week.Ford, the 53-times-capped product of Kelso High School, a British and Irish Lion in South Africa in 2009, was hailed by head coach Andy Robinson as a man who will step up and lead from the front.Robinson said: ‘this is a special day for Ross, who has been a key figure in our leadership group and our most consistent performer for some time. I firmly believe he is the man who will step up and lead from the front.Ford added: It’s a massive honour and privilege to captain your country. Im really grateful to be given this chance to captain a team of so much potential.For me, the big thing is leading from the front and actually showing a good example to the boys as well as backing it up with words.First and foremost is ‘do it, do it for everybody to see, and that’s the way Ill be looking to lead the team against England.Meanwhile, five other players continued their recovery from injuries and did not train with the Scotland squad at St Andrews today props Alasdair Dickinson (shoulder) and Ed Kalman (calf), back-row forward David Denton and stand-off Ruaridh Jackson (hamstring) and full-back/wing Rory Lamont (leg bruising).Jon Welsh, the uncapped 25-year-old Glasgow Warriors prop, has been added to the Scotland squad and he trained at St Andrews today.