Scotland under-18 home-based players to take on Exiles

Scotland under-18s will continue their preparations for the 5 Nations tournament at the end of March, when the home-based players take on their Exile counterparts at Peffermill on Sunday (kick-off 1pm).The annual fixture will give Ally Donaldson and his assistant coaches the chance to take a closer look at the group of 44 players, before reducing it to a 26-man squad for a fixture against England in Stirling on Sunday 6 March. Included within the home-based squad is Matt Fagerson, brother of Zander, who has been included in the Scotland squad for the RBS 6 Nations, while former Scotland international Bryan Redpath’s son, Cameron, is in the Scottish Exiles squad. Ally Donaldson said: “Sunday’s game is an important part of our preparations for our upcoming fixture against England and the 5 Nations tournament. “It will give us a chance to look closely at the group of players who are available to us and help us select our final 26-man squad. “We’ve been working closely with the home-based players and the Exiles and are keen to see them in a comparative environment.Some players have been unlucky to have missed out on this selection, but could still force their way into our thoughts.Scotland U18 home-based squadFORWARDSRoss Dunbar* – Stirling County RFC / Linlithgow AcademyCalum Eastwood – George Watson’s CollegeLewis Mclean* – Strathallan SchoolEuan McLaren – Dollar AcademyRobbie Smith* – Ayr RFC / Douglas Ewart High SchoolPaul Cairncross* – Kelvinside Academy / East Kilbride RFCJamie Hodgson – Stewart Melville CollegeDean Roger – Highland RFCAndrew Horne* – Preston Lodge RFCMatt Fagerson* – Strathallan SchoolCallum Cruikshank* – Dollar AcademyJack Bruce* – Strathallan SchoolRyan Sweeney  – The Glasgow Academy BACKSHarry Warr – Dollar AcademyFraser Peters – George Watson’s CollegeGrant Hughes* – Dollar AcademyMark New* – Strathallan SchoolCameron Hutchison* – George Heriot’s School / North Berwick RFCStafford MacDowell – Merchiston Castle SchoolBen Eynon* – Strathallan SchoolAaron Tait* – Merchiston Castle SchoolBen Appleson* – The Edinburgh Academy* BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 2 players 2015/16Scotland U18 Exiles squadFORWARDSWilliam Bowie – Bradford Grammar SchoolBobby Bratton – St Matthew AcademyAndrew Christie – Harrow / SaracensAlan Gregory – Kings, Ely / Northampton SaintsTyrone Heffron – IvybridgeRalph Johnston – Gosforth HS / Newcastle FalconsDaniel Marek – Richard Huish College / BathGregor Ramage – Brighton CollegeJack Samuel – Bedwas ComprehensiveBen Scoular – Warwick SchoolTavis Hunter – Oaklands CollegeBACKSDaniel Brady – St.Edwards OxfordFraser Dingwall – Bedford School / Northampton SaintsArthur Friend – Blundells SchoolCharlie Gowling – Sedburgh / Newcastle FalconsRory McMichael – Wellington College / HarlequinsTom Nicole – Cranleigh College / HarlequinsAlexander Nisbet – Bromsgrove School / Worcester WarriorsMarcus Ramage – Brighton CollegeCameron Redpath – Kings School, Macclesfield / SaleFraser Strachan – Bedford School / Northampton SaintsEric White – Hartpury College / Gloucester