Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw targets 2019 Rugby World Cup

Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw believes he has enough gas in the tank to make it to the 2019 World Cup, writes Duncan Smith.

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has targeted the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

The 31-year-old will turn 34 during the tournament, which takes place in Japan in three years’ time, and sees no reason why he can’t still be involved.

The Gloucester scrum-half was speaking ahead of Saturday evening’s Test against Argentina at BT Murrayfield, which could have ramifications in the race for World Cup seeding, with the Scots keen to avoid being in the third pot when the draw is made next May.

The Pumas are currently eighth in the world rankings – one place above Scotland.

Both teams suffered narrow defeats at the weekend, with Scotland losing 23-22 at home to Australia and Argentina going down 24-20 to Wales in Cardiff.

“I’d like to think so,” said Laidlaw when asked if his goal was to make it to the next World Cup. “I don’t know how old I look to you? I feel all right at the moment. I’m enjoying my rugby and I’m loving playing in this team.

“With Finn [Russell] outside and some of the young forwards coming through, I think it’s brilliant and you need a bit of experience in there and I like to think I give that.

“Touch wood I’ve steered clear of many injuries and I want to stay in this jersey as long as I can because it means so much for the boys that pull it on.”