Maclay and Hughes in Scotland squad after incident

Ally Maclay in action for Glasgow Hawks. Picture: Neil Hanna

The Glasgow Hawks utility back has not played since sustaining a broken eye socket in the alleged late-night attack in the west end of the city. And he could be lining up beside Scotland sevens international Rory Hughes, who has been charged in connection with the incident in October. Also accused are Test players Ryan Wilson, Ryan Grant and Sean Maitland.

Scotland flanker Wilson appeared in private on a serious assault charge at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week, and the case was continued without plea. Hughes, who plays for Stirling County, Maitland and Grant are due to appear in the near future.

A Scottish Rugby spokesman defended the decision to name Maclay and Hughes in the squad and indicated they are focussing on on-field matters.

He said: “The coaches have chosen the players they believe are the most appropriate for the matches on the schedule.”

Head coach, Phil Leck, said: “We have started to plan earlier than we did last year.

“Running the Club International programme can be difficult at times with players committed to jobs and playing in  the Premiership and British & Irish Cup.

“We have selected an initial squad that we can bring together and work on a game plan with and then as we train and play we can look at who put their hand up.”

As well as a weekly training session the side will play a trial game on 6 January.

This will be followed by a warm-up against Scotland Under-20 on 22 January.

The official fixtures will be played on 7 February against Ireland in Cork and then a month later at Maclay’s home ground, Old Anniesland, against France Federale.