Namibia-born McGuigan joins up with Scotland sevens

SCOTLAND’S bid to deepen their pool of players has taken them to South Africa with Scottish-qualified centre Byron McGuigan agreeing a sevens contract.

The Scotsman can reveal that the 22-year-old was in Glasgow last month and, this week, the SRU agreed a sevens contract with the youngster from Cape Town. He is now in training with the sevens squad in preparation for the resumption of the HSBC World Series events next month, and is also in talks with the Warriors about joining them on a full-time deal this summer.

McGuigan, born in Namibia but schooled in Cape Town, started out with the Hamilton club that has won the Melrose Sevens. He came through the Western Province academy before joining the Border Bulldogs outfit two years ago. His mother, however, is a Glaswegian, which qualifies him instantly for Scotland.

McGuigan, whose nickname in South Africa is “McG”, commented: “This is a dream come true. I have always aspired to play professional rugby, but to be able to join up with the Scottish Sevens team and hopefully tour on the IRB circuit is incredible.

“Glasgow Warriors are a great side and I cannot wait to join up with them for the 2012-13 season. Hopefully, I can contribute in some way to further success in these great European competitions. To qualify and potentially represent Scotland on the international stage is very exciting, but, right, now I will be focusing on sevens and trying to work my way into their squad.”