James Thompson targets Scotland cap that eluded much loved 'papa' McLaren

FEW Scotland internationalists are likely to have ever under- valued a first cap, but as James Thompson moved a step nearer his entry to the pantheon of the rugby elite the full-back spared a thought for his recently deceased grandfather.

• James Thompson will be thinking of his late grandfather Bill McLaren if he wins his first Scotland cap on the tour to Argentina next month. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

It is less the celebrated status of Bill McLaren, the former BBC commentator who died earlier this year, that has provided a strong motivation for Thompson through his life and more the simple fact that his grand- father was one of those players who came almost within touching distance of a Scotland cap but failed to land it.

Tuberculosis played its part in depriving McLaren after he had been called up for a Scottish trial and while he was never to know whether he might have made it to the international stage otherwise, he certainly used the disappointment to further fuel his passion for the game through teaching and commentating careers.

He was fortunate to witness grandson Rory Lawson being selected for Scotland for the first time, in 2006, and, called into Scotland's squad for next month's tour to Argentina with coach Andy Robinson insisting he wants every player to feature over the two Tests, Thompson admitted he would be thinking of his "papa" if he was given the opportunity to follow and perhaps play with his cousin.

"I got a text this morning and I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to be called in," said the 25- year-old. "To get called into the full touring party is absolutely awesome. I'm really pleased.

"I got texts from the family and Rory. He was obviously delighted because he's going on the tour as well. I had a chat with my granny (Bette McLaren] this morning and I know he (Bill] would have been absolutely chuffed. If Rory and I do get to play together I'm sure he would have wanted to commentate on it.

"Getting a first cap is a massive honour and achievement and I remember the celebration we all had as a family when Rory got his. My papa said he would change everything, all his commentating, for one cap, which shows how much it means."

At 25, Thompson is an inspiration to late developers in the game, having proven that the door is open to rare talent from the club game relatively later in life. He has started only five games this season due to a knee cartilage injury, which was why he was surprised to be given the call, but Robinson stated that his talent was clear.

Thompson revealed that he was actually feeling a bit low yesterday morning having spent the night wondering why he had been left out of the Scotland sevens squad for the forthcoming IRB Series legs at Twickenham and Murrayfield, those selected having received emails on Tuesday.

"I didn't get the email, which was a bit annoying. I enjoy sevens, so I started wondering what were the reasons behind it. I was thinking it might be because I'm not quick enough or something like that. So when I got the text this morning I was absolutely delighted.

"I played my first Scotland A game against Argentina Jaguars at the Churchill Cup a couple of years ago, and I've played them a lot on the sevens circuit as well. I know what they're like, how physical they are and so on, and the boys played them in the autumn, so they know what to expect as well."

He acknowledged that he has wondered at times whether the door to the full team would open, having played nine times for the A team, but accepted also that the exclusion of Chris Paterson through injury had helped provide this opportunity. And suggestions that he had age on his side in the battle with Paterson only brought a laugh.

"It's good being involved in the Scotland set-up and the A team, but you do start to think about when you're going to make the next step. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to do that in Argentina. We'll have to wait and see.

"Obviously, the World Cup is a major ambition in a year's time, but you look at Mossy (Paterson] and he still runs around like a 21-year-old at training. But, right now, he's got a serious injury and is not able to come on the tour, so it's up to me to make the most of my opportunity and enjoy it."

• Newcastle have announced they will not be renewing the contract of club forwards coach Stuart Grimes.

Former Falcons and Scotland lock Grimes has been on the Kingston Park coaching staff for the past two years. His existing deal expires this month.

"Stuart has been a great friend to me and has made a vital contribution to our lineout and set-piece during his time here," said Newcastle head coach Alan Tait.

"But, as a relatively inexperienced head coach, I feel that I need to look outside of the club to bolster my staff, to get some fresh input from outside and most importantly someone who has been there and done it as a coach over a number of years.

"I would like to thank Stuart for all of his work, and to wish him all the best for the future."