Four players join Scotland squad

Uncapped back-row forwards Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh) and Matt Smith (Glasgow Warriors) are joined by Glasgow Warriors pair Alex Dunbar (centre) and Rob Harley (second-row).

Edinburgh back-row Hamish Watson has dropped out of the squad while he recovers from the hand injury he sustained in his club’s win over Montpellier, while fellow squad members Sam Johnson (concussion), Jonny Gray (shoulder) and Ryan Wilson (shoulder) continue their rehabilitation in camp.

Uncapped additions

Former Stirling High School pupil Matt Smith is a product of the renowned Stirling County player production line, with his side lifting the National Youth Cup in 2013.

In January 2017 he signed his first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors and was named in the starting lineup for the first time for the trip to play the Ospreys in February 2017, going on to make 24 appearances to date.

The openside back-row has been part of Scottish Rugby’s pathway and Fosroc Academy programmes since the age of 16.

Sport is clearly in the genes of the Smith family: Matthew’s great grandfather (Alex Smith) was a footballer for Rangers, his sister (Hannah) is a capped Scotland rugby internationalist, while Matthew himself is also certificated, advanced open water scuba diver.

A product of Livingston RFC, Luke Crosbie transferred to Currie as a teenager, where he progressed into the club’s first XV.

After impressing in the Tennent’s Premiership – and improving his game as part of the Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy – the back-row caught the attention of national selectors and was subsequently drafted into the Scotland U20 squad for the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia, where both he and Matt played a major role in helping the age-grade side to its highest-ever finish of fifth.

The back-row made his debut for the club during October’s 16-15 Guinness PRO14 victory over Zebre at Myreside and has made 22 appearances for the club.