Handful of Borders names in Scotland Club XV squad

There is local representation in all three rows of the scrum, in the back line and on the bench as the Scots team – drawn entirely from players in the Tennent’s Premiership – takes on the Irish Club XV at Netherdale, Galashiels, on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Scotland Club XV head coach Scott Wight has given a debut to 12 of the players in the starting squad.

Experienced names such as winger Callum Young of Jed-Forest and prop forward Shawn Muir of Hawick are joined by first-timers Aaron McColm of Selkirk at stand-off, Gregor Law of Jed-Forest in the second row and Selkirk captain Ewan MacDougall at number eight.

Two more newcomers to the squad, Hawick pair Matt Carryer and Andrew Mitchell, are on the bench, while the side is captained by Fergus Scott of Currie Chieftains.

Wight said: “There were some really tough calls to make, as everyone put their hand up for selection during training sessions and showed what they could do.

“I believe we have a great balance of youth and experience within the squad to execute the game plan against Ireland on Friday night.”