Scotland 7s add to their ranks

Scotland 7s have signed a promising young player from the BT Premiership.Edinburgh Accies full-back, Nyle Godsmark, 22, who won his first cap on the HSBC Sevens World Series at the Gold Coast 7s in October joins the abbreviated national team on a one year deal. Godsmark captained the Scottish Thistles team in the 2014 GB7s Series, leading them to a second place finish in the London event, and has won five caps for Scotland 7s in Rugby Europe competitions, where he has scored three tries. He said: “Since I started playing rugby it has been my goal to play professionally and for my country. So, it was quite emotional when I was first told. “I’m absolutely delighted. It is a massive, massive honour. Getting my first taste on the World Series was great, so my next goal is to gain selection for Dubai and South Africa and when I’m given my chance ensure I make an impact.”Above that though, I want to develop as a player and when your running around everyday with players like Mark Robertson and Scott Riddell and the rest of the squad that really helps.”I have been fortunate enough to progress here, first making the step up from the Border circuit to the GB7s and then on to international sevens. “So far I’ve learned your fitness needs to be up there and that your skills are challenged at the top level, for instance every pass has to be crisp and accurate.” Head coach, Calum MacRae, said: Nyle has worked very hard at his game to win a professional contract. He is diligent and has a good work ethic, which are both attributes that I look for in a young player. He is an unassuming lad, but has shown a hard edge and dogged resilience. This is a starting point for him and I’m sure as he gains experience through competition, his performances will only continue to improve.Nyle was part of strong Selkirk Youth Club team as a kid and a big part of his development has to be owed to guys like John Rutherford and Graham Marshall. Equally, the team at Edinburgh Accies have played a key role in his senior development which is credit to them as a club.” Scotland 7s will next be in action in the Dubai 7s on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December.They take on Samoa (7.30am), New Zealand (10.52am) and Japan (4.25pm) in Pool B that weekend.