Paterson to lead Scotland into 2007 Championship

Chris Paterson is to continue as Scotland captain into the 2007 RBS 6 Nations Championship.Scotland head coach Frank Hadden made the announcement today, as he confirmed that the 69-times-capped Paterson, who took on the role for a second time during the recent Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests, would retain the captain’s armband. Scotland open their 2007 campaign against England at Twickenham on Saturday 3 February.Hadden said: “Chris did a very good job during the Autumn Tests when he stepped up to lead the side following the knee injury that Jason White suffered in the opening Test against Romania last November.Chris is a world-class goal-kicker and has consistently produced the goods in the international arena.”Jason is currently continuing his rehabilitation programme and we are working closely with his club side, Sale Sharks, to help his return to fitness as soon as possible.”We are part-funding a trip to a specialist in the United States in March to aid his recovery training and, all being well, Jason will return to lead our World Cup campaign in the Autumn.”Paterson, 28, led Scotland throughout the 2004 championship and was again captain for the November matches against the Pacific Islanders and Australia.He said: “It’s always an honour for me to play for my country and to be asked to captain the side is something I relish.”