Good day for Southern Knights

It’s been a good day for the Southern Knights – and other rugby squads with Borders connections – as several of the area’s players have been included in Scotland’s squad for the 2021 Under-20 Six Nations.
Christian Townsend, left, and Rhys TaitChristian Townsend, left, and Rhys Tait
Christian Townsend, left, and Rhys Tait

U20s’ head coach Sean Lineen has named a 32-man squad which will travel to Cardiff to take part in the age-grade championship. It runs from Saturday, June 19 to Tuesday, July 13 and all games will be held in one venue at Cardiff Arms Park.

A number of the players are supported by the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy, with the forwards including Patrick Harrison (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby), Harri Morris (Southern Knights) and Rhys Tait, also of the Borders’ Super 6 side Southern Knights and formerly of Hawick.

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Among the backs are Ethan McVicker (Melrose Rugby), Cameron Scott (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby) and Christian Townsend (Ayrshire Bulls, ex-Melrose) – son of Gala legend and Scotland’s current senior head coach, Gregor Townsend.

Matchday squads will consist of 26 players, because of the condensed format of the competition, and all five matchdays will feature three tournament games played consecutively.

Glasgow Warriors second row Alex Samuel is named as Scotland captain.

Scotland will play the opening fixture of the championship against Ireland on June 19 (kick-off 2pm), followed by games against England on Friday, June 25 (kick-off 2pm), Italy on Thursday, July 1 (kick-off 2pm) and France on Wednesday, July 7 (kick-off 5pm).Scotland will then conclude their tournament when they play the hosts, Wales, in the closing fixture on July 13, kicking off at 8pm.

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Every match will be broadcast in each of the Six Nations territories, either on terrestrial TV, national broadcaster streaming platforms or via Six Nations digital channels.

Lineen said: “Over the last few months, we have been preparing well for this tournament, with a number of camps and sessions focusing on player development both on and off the pitch.“Last month, we had two training games against our English counterparts, which were positive. They were useful exercises in game management and seeing how different combinations of players worked together.

“With just over two weeks until the opening fixture against Ireland, the squad will assemble for one further training camp before we travel down to Cardiff.“This squad has worked tirelessly over the last few months. There were some tough selection calls to make but we know this group of players is set to play an exciting brand of rugby.”