Two changes to Scotland 7s squad for Hong Kong

Following Scotland 7s first first foray into the Cup competition, Head Coach Calum MacRae has made two changes to his 12-man squad to compete in the Hong Kong 7s (Friday 8 – Sunday 10 April). The changes see Scott Riddell replaced by Mark Robertson, and Glasgow Warriors’ Rory Hughes come in for his club-mate Junior Bulumakau.Scotland are seeded second in Pool B after their Cup qualification at the Vancouver 7s, and will meet South Africa, England and Russia in the group stages of the Hong Kong event.MacRae said: “It was good to progress to the last eight of the Vancouver leg and we are looking to build on that with four tournaments to go in the Series.”We know there is more to come from the group and our training at Ravenscraig is going well.The squad’s top points-scorer for the year, Scott Wight, will captain the side, and is joined by Hughes and Edinburgh Rugby’s Dougie Fife. After marking his return from injury with impressive performances in Las Vegas and Vancouver, James Fleming travels to Hong Kong, alongside fellow backs Gavin Lowe, James Johnstone and Nick McLennan.Jamie Farndale – who is the team’s top try-scorer this season with 17 tries from 33 matches – will continue as part of the squad, with Glasgow Warriors’ Fraser Lyle and Hugh Blake.Joseva Nayacavou and Robertson also feature as forwards for the prestigious Hong Kong event.MacRae continued:”Hong Kong is the biggest stage on the Series and the anticipation is evident, the players are really looking forward to it. For some it’s their first time there, which is special. We’re facing a tough group, but one we can progress from with strong performances.Dougie Fife and Rory Hughes will also add quality and experience to the squad.”Dougie played well on his first outing for a while in Vancouver and Rory has demonstrated his ability in training to line break with his running game – I’m looking forward to watching him out there and seeing what this squad can achieve.” Scotland 7s squad to compete in Hong Kong 7s, round seven of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens SeriesHugh BlakeJamie FarndaleDougie FifeJames FlemingRory HughesJames JohnstoneGavin LoweFraser LyleNick McLennanJoe NayacavouMark RobertsonScott Wight Scotland 7s’ Pool B fixtures in round seven of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series, in Hong Kong                               Friday 8 April – Sunday 10 AprilFriday 8 AprilScotland v Russia (kick-off 7.16pm local/12.16pm GMT)Saturday 9 AprilScotland v England (kick-off 1.32pm local/6.32am GMT)Scotland v South Africa (kick-off 5.54pm local/10.54am GMT)Sunday 10 AprilScotland 7s knockout fixtures will be determined by their results in Pool B.