MacRae names last 7s squad for London title defence

Head Coach Calum MacRae has named his last ever Scotland 7s squad as the 2016/17 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series concludes at Twickenham this weekend. MacRae, who is joining the Edinburgh Rugby coaching set-up next season, has named an unchanged squad following their silver medal showing in Paris last weekend.The tournament will also be Mark Robertson’s last, following his announcement this week that he will be hanging up his boots.Scotland are reigning Champions in London after their dramatic Cup Final victory over South Africa last year and they have been drawn in Pool B with Russia, Argentina and France as they try and retain their title.Scotland 7s Head Coach Calum MacRae said: “Having been given the responsibility of leading this team three years ago, I am thankful for the opportunity.”I feel privileged to have presented the Scotland jersey to each of my players and will take away some great memories from my time here.”We have a job to do this weekend and we look forward to the challenge. We are in a good place having put in more complete performances last week.”The final in Paris was disappointing by our standards and that is what will be our motivation coming into the pool, to be better than last week.”There is an air of excitement within the group about going back to Twickenham. We have good memories from last year but we will be judged by how we play this weekend.”Anyone who has played with Mark Robertson in this team knows how much he has put into the jersey.It must have been tough throughout his career being the son of a top internationalist, but I truly believe Mark has stepped forward to front and centre and now has the recognition he deserves alongside his dad.”He is a great man, a guy you want in your team and he will succeed in anything he sets his sights on in life.” Scotland 7s fixtures in the final leg of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series in London, Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 May13 May 10.36 Scotland 7s v Russia 7s 13.42 Scotland 7s v Argentina 7s 16.48 Scotland 7s v France 7s14 MayTBC Scotland 7s squad to compete in London (World Series tournaments in brackets) 1. SCOTT RIDDELL (56) CAPTAIN2. DOUGIE FIFE (15)3. HUGH BLAKE (15)4. GRAYSON HART (3)5. GLENN BRYCE (8)6. MARK ROBERTSON (56)7. JAMIE FARNDALE (20)8. JO NAYACAVOU (26)9. GEORGE HORNE (5)10. SCOTT WIGHT (29)11. JAMES FLEMING (42)12. JACK CUTHBERT (2)