Scotland Club XV announce team to face Ireland at Netherdale

Despite frost covers being down at Myreside, the freezing temperatures have made the pitch unplayable. Therefore, to ensure the match goes ahead and to allow both teams to prepare with certainty, the decision was taken to move the fixture to Netherdale, where under soil heating is installed.

The squad traveling to Netherdale will be captained by Ayr’s Peter McCallum, who was part of last year’s side that won the Dalriada Cup, although Scotland will be without 2018 captain Fraser Thomson, who has been ruled out through injury.

Former Scotland U20 full-back Paddy Dewhirst has been included in the starting XV and will start at 15.

U20 internationalist, Patrick Anderson from Melrose has also been brought into the squad, along with Glasgow Hawks’ Gary Strain, who has previously represented Glasgow Warriors and Newcastle Falcons.

Also included in the squad is Heriot’s trio, Robbie Kay, Michael Liness and Stuart Edwards.

On the announcement Scotland Club XV Head Coach Rob Chrystie said, “We’ve picked a squad who have been performing week in week out in the Tennent’s Premiership.

The squad have trained really well, and despite a few injuries, there are only two players who haven’t been involved from the start of our training schedule, so we’re in a good place.
The coaching and support staff have been working non-stop to get the team in a position to go out Friday and put in a performance.

They’ve prepared really well and It’s a great opportunity for these players to play at the highest standard possible for them and a chance to represent not just our domestic players, but also their clubs.”

Tickets to Scotland U20 v Italy U20 at Netherdale on Friday 1 February (7.35pm) will also allow you access to Scotland Club XV v Ireland Club XV at 3.30pm in Netherdale. Likewise, tickets to the Club XV fixture will also allow you access to Scotland U20 v Italy U20.

If you have bought a Scotland Club XV ticket and wish to receive a refund, please contact the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre by calling 0131 346 5160.

Tickets to Scotland Club XV v Ireland Club XV will only be available to purchase at the turnstiles from 2.30pm.

Scotland Club XV: Patrick Dewhirst (Ayr); Craig Gossman (Boroughmuir), Robert Kay (Heriot’s), Robbie Nelson (Currie Chieftains), Kyle Rowe (Ayr); Gregor Hunter (Currie Chieftains), Murdo McAndrew (Melrose); Peter McCallum (Captain) (Ayr), Jack McLean (Heriot’s), Blair McPherson (Ayr), Tommy Spinks (Ayr), Hamilton Burr (Stirling), Steven Longwell (Ayr), Ross Graham (Watsonians), Shawn Muir (Hawick).

Substitutes: Gary Strain (Glasgow Hawks), Michael Liness (Heriot’s), Struan Cessford (Heriot’s), Ruairidh Leishman (Heriot’s), Iain Wilson (Heriot’s), Andrew Simmers (Heriot’s), Stuart Edwards (Heriot’s), Patrick Andrerson (Melrose).

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Rob Chrystie (Melrose), Assistant Coaches: Fin Gillies (Glasgow Hawks), Phil Smith (Heriot’s).