Jedburgh twins set to fly the flag for Borders sevens on world stage

Jedburgh’s Gregor and Lewis Young are both named in this weekend’s Scotland 7s squad to compete in the final leg of the 2013/14 HSBC Sevens World Series at Twickenham and though Gregor has already won five Series caps, this is the first time Lewis has been in contention.

As well as growing up through the Jed-Forest club, the Young twins also played together in this year’s HKFC Tens in Hong Kong for the Scottish Exiles.

What’s more, the Borders brothers have been playing against each other on the Kings of the Sevens circuit, Lewis for his home club and Gregor for Gala.

The closest twin brothers to date in representing Scotland were Jim and Finlay Calder. Jim won his last cap in 1985 and Finlay his first in 1986.

Lewis said: “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to win my first cap and what a place too: in front of 75,000 at Twickenham.

“It means a lot to me and my family, who are coming down to watch Gregor and I this weekend, to have the chance to play together. There are only a few who have the chance to represent their country alongside their brother.”

Scotland finished fourth in last weekend’s Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s and topped their group. They will look to back that performance up as they go head-to-head with France (10.28am), Portugal (1.34pm) and South Africa (5.22pm).

Gregor added: “It is very important for this team to go out and reinforce the performance of the squad last weekend. We must put in a solid showing and take the opportunity to prove we deserve selection as Stevie (Gemmell) finalises his Commonwealth Games selection.

“We have a good group. We have played all three of the teams this year and the last time we met each of them we have won. This gives the team confidence going into the weekend.

“Preparations have gone well this week and the team are looking sharp. It also means a lot to me to play with Lewis. We have played in the same teams since we started playing rugby and we work well together, so it’s an exciting opportunity.”

Scotland 7s squad to compete at the London 7s: Scott Riddell, Colin Shaw, Gregor Young, Michael Maltman, Struan Dewar, Jack Cuthbert (Edinburgh Rugby), Colin Gregor (captain), Scott Wight (Glasgow Warriors), Mark Robertson, Lewis Young, Andrew Turnbull and James Fleming.