Rugby: Lamont called up to replace injured Evans

Published on Tuesday 26 May 2009 10:21

SCOTLAND'S rugby sevens selectors moved quickly today with a call-up for experienced winger Sean Lamont to replace the injured Thom Evans in this weekend's Emirates international tournament at Murrayfield.

Glasgow flier Evans was reluctantly forced to drop out with a foot ligament injury after playing just two ties – against Kenya and Fiji – in the previous leg of the sevens circuit at Twickenham a few days ago when Scotland reached the semi-final.

It is a huge blow to be without the current top try-scorer in the Celtic League, who was returning to the sevens squad after representing Scotland in San Diego and Wellington two years ago.

But, in Lamont, the Scots will have call on a player who was part of the Commonwealth Games sevens bid at Manchester in 2002.

Since then 28-year-old Lamont has gone on to win 36 caps at 15-a-sides.

After an injury-blighted two years at his Northampton club, Perth-born Lamont recently clinched a move to Celtic League side Llanelli Scarlets and will travel north buoyed by the switch and no doubt keen to show he has recovered the form that made him Scotland's player of the year in 2007.

Lamont said today: "I was sitting watching the London Sevens on television and thinking it would be nice to play some sevens again, especially in such nice weather.

"It was surreal when I got a call from (Scotland sevens coach] Stevie Gemmell asking me if I wanted to play.

"I feel like the pressure is on me now because the guys put in such a great performance at Twickenham. I'm actually more nervous about this weekend's tournament than I have been about any of the other games I've played in."

Scotland sevens coach Gemmell added: "Sean's addition is great news in terms of bringing in international quality players to the squad. It puts out a real statement about our intentions this weekend and I hope it helps to encourage the Scottish public to come out and support the team.

"There's no-one else the same as Thom Evans but Sean gives us terrific pace and power.

"What's most important for me is that Sean wants to be here and it's a great opportunity for him to perform on the international stage again.

"I know it's been a while since Sean played sevens but it's where he made his name and I've no doubt he'll be a huge asset."

Scotland are drawn in a group with England, Kenya and Canada at Murrayfield.