Scotland opts for pre-tour Highland training

The 31-man squad will visit Blairgowrie Rugby Club – who picked up an RBS Club of the Month award this season – Grantown Grammar School and a new community facility in Aviemore. All their training sessions will be open to the public, while they will also undertake a specialist coaching clinic for some of the most promising young players in the Highlands.

Full details of the schedule will be confirmed through the local clubs and schools.

Scotland team manager Gavin Scott said: “At this stage of a physically arduous season the coaches were keen that we did something different in our pre-tour activity.

“We’ve always received tremendous support from the north of Scotland and the enthusiasm for the game there and desire to improve is inspirational.

“We hope to show our appreciation for the work that is going on in communities in Perthshire and the Highlands to give young people the chance to catch the rugby bug.

“Our players are humble. They are acutely aware that without the help they received at their local club or school, they wouldn’t be in the privileged position they are now, so this is their way of giving something back.”

The camp takes place from Monday, 27 May, to Wednesday, 29 May, with the squad departing for their quadrangular tournament involving Samoa, South Africa and Italy, on Friday, 31 May, by which time the new national head coach will have been named. He has already been appointed.

However, interim head coach Scott Johnson, who is to take over as director of rugby, will take charge of the tour of South Africa.