Kleeberger makes debut for London Scottish

Canadian World Cup star Adam Kleeberger makes his London Scottish debut away at Moseley on Boxing Day following his move from British Columbia Bears.

Kleeberger is joined in the starting line up by fellow internationalists Agustin Gosio and Ben MacDougall, as Scottish look for a victory against a Moseley team that lie only three points ahead in the Championship table.

In the last meeting between the two sides, Scottish ran out 37-21 winners. Double try scorer on that day Dan Mugford returns to the starting line up at 10, and Willie Lipp retains his place at No 8 following his impressive showing against Melrose in the British and Irish Cup.

There is a place on the bench for Scotland Sevens wing Mark Robertson, who has joined on a short-term deal until the end of January.

Meanwhile, Scotland attack coach Gregor Townsend spent time with the Exiles squad this week to provide some additional coaching classes. His involvement at Richmond represents the latest element to London Scottish’s increasing interaction with Scottish Rugby.

Along with the short-term signing of Robertson, welcoming a coach with the experience of the former Scotland and British and Irish Lion represented a real coup for Scottish. Head Coach Simon Amor was delighted to get Townsend’s input. He said: “Gregor’s involvement this week was great for the players.

“Having someone with his experience and world-class coaching ability has really helped to develop standards amongst the squad, and allowed us to work on some key points with individuals.

“Our continued conversations with the SRU have allowed us to take advantage of this opportunity, and we are hopeful it can be repeated before the end of the season.”

Townsend said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with London Scottish for two days this week – a club with very close links to Scottish rugby.

“It was good to be coaching with both their full-time and part-time players and there was certainly loads of e nthusiasm and skill.”

London Scottish: S Peel; A Gosio, B MacDougall, C Hayter, R Westren; D Mugford, S Amor; W Lipp, A Andrews, A Kleeberger, J Thomas Brown, S Pape, A Liffchak, T Standfield, A Clarke. Subs: R Grimstone, L Thiede, A Karonias, B Lonergan, M Heeks, J Brown, M Robertson.