Borders players in Scots club training squad

Four from Selkirk, three from Hawick and two from Jed-Forest are among the 35-man training squad drawn from clubs in the Tennent’s Premiership.

There are 20 forwards – including Ewan MacDougall and James Bett (both Selkirk), Hawick pair Matt Carryer and Shawn Muir, plus Jed-Forest’s Gregor Law – along with 15 backs, featuring Aaron McColm and Ryan Cotterill (both Selkirk), Andrew Mitchell (Hawick) and Calum Young (Jed-Forest).

All the Tennent’s Premiership squads are represented in the selection.

The squad took part in a training session before Christmas and will have a series of opportunities to prepare before hosting Ireland at Netherdale on Friday, January 31 and travelling away to play the return fixture in Donnybrook, Dublin, the following Friday, February 7.

“It was really hard to narrow the group down to the 35 players that were selected,” said Wight, also head coach at Selkirk.

“There have been a number of players who have impressed throughout the Tennent’s Premiership this season, so there were some tough decisions to be made in key areas.

“We feel we have an excellent balance in the squad and that was evident in the first training session.

“The hard work starts now for everyone as we head into the first game against Ireland at Netherdale in a few weeks’ time.”

The squad will be looking to win back the Dalriada Cup from holders Ireland, with the winner decided by the aggregate score over the two matches.