Scotland Squad Update

The Scotland squad gathered at St Andrews today to begin preparations for their opening match in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship – against England at Murrayfield a week on Saturday. Thirty five players in contention for selection reported to the camp.  A 36th, Kelly Brown, the 49-times-capped Saracens flanker, remains in London at present under the treatment of his club’s medical team after he sustained a leg injury in Heineken Cup action against Benetton Treviso yesterday. Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “We are liaising closely with the Saracens medics and we await the outcome of two scans that Kelly has undergone today.  At this juncture Kelly remains part of our Six Nations squad.”    In addition to Brown, four other forwards were subject to medical attention today: props Alasdair Dickinson (shoulder) and Ed Kalman (calf), lock Alastair Kellock (respiratory tract infection) and back-row forward David Denton (rehab from mild hamstring discomfort). Among the backs, stand-off Ruaridh Jackson continues with his hamstring rehabilitation, centre Nick De Luca is following the post head-knock protocol, fellow centre Joe Ansbro continues to rehab after his recent back problems and full-back/wing Rory Lamont is being treated for deep bruising to his lower leg. Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “It’s great to be back in camp and there’s a real buzz among the players as we look forward to the England game. “On behalf of the management, I’d like to congratulate Edinburgh Rugby on their qualification for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. It was a fine performance at Murrayfield yesterday.  That achievement, and the league form of Glasgow Warriors in the RaboDirect PRO12, has certainly given a spring in the step of Scottish rugby and it’s up to us now to keep that going.”