Scotland Training Camp Disrupted

Scottish Rugby can confirm that ten England-based players failed to attend today’s National Squad training camp after having been informed by their clubs that they were not allowed to travel to Murrayfield. It is understood that the players, namely Alasdair Strokosch, Alasdair Dickinson, Rory Lawson and Scott Lawson (all Gloucester), Sean Lamont and Euan Murray (both Northampton Saints), Rory Lamont and Jason White (both Sale Sharks), Gordon Ross (Saracens) and Stephen Jones (Newcastle Falcons)), were refused permission to attend after Premier Rugby Ltd (PRL), the umbrella organisation that represents English clubs in the Guinness Premiership, instructed each club not to release its players.Scottish Rugby can confirm that ten England-based players failed to attend today’s National Squad training camp after having been informed by their clubs that they were not allowed to travel to Murrayfield. It is understood that the players, namely Alasdair Strokosch, Alasdair Dickinson, Rory Lawson and Scott Lawson (all Gloucester), Sean Lamont and Euan Murray (both Northampton Saints), Rory Lamont and Jason White (both Sale Sharks), Gordon Ross (Saracens) and Stephen Jones (Newcastle Falcons)), were refused permission to attend after Premier Rugby Ltd (PRL), the umbrella organisation that represents English clubs in the Guinness Premiership, instructed each club not to release its players. A Scottish Rugby spokesman said: We provided these clubs with ample notice of this short training camp and usual custom and practice has resulted in our England-based players being made available to Scotland for training camps. We are obviously concerned that our tried and tested relationship with these English clubs has been upset by the sudden intervention of Premier Rugby and as a result of today’s non-appearance of so many players, we have made formal representation to the IRB, the world’s governing body, to resolve this matter. With the IRB having decided to determine the RWC 2011 draw based upon world rankings at 30 November, it is absolutely imperative that this matter is clarified quickly and well before our final preparations begin for the critical Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Test matches against New Zealand (8 November), South Africa (15 November) and Canada (22 November). It is essential that our National Squad players are suitably prepared for these games and we will be seeking further information from the IRB to ensure that Scotland has a clear understanding of the IRB ‘s regulations governing player release for international matches and preparation. The IRB’s first port of call is the RFU, the governing body of the game in England, and we await the outcome of their discussions with interest. In addition to the absence of ten English-based players, Glasgow Warriors hooker Fergus Thomson also missed today’s gathering as he was seeing a specialist with regard to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Scotland head coach Frank Hadden today confirmed that both pro-team head coaches, Andy Robinson (Edinburgh) and Sean Lineen (Glasgow Warriors) would be involved in Scotland selection for the November Test matches. Hadden said: I believe it’s important that the men who see the players on a daily basis are involved in selection. I will also be tapping into Sean’s intimate knowledge of New Zealand rugby and making use of his experience in that regard during the Autumn Tests. Sean will also be involved as a specialist coach, much like Duncan Hodge our kicking analyst, during the Autumn games.