Scots ready to join Ireland in quitting U-20 World Cup

The future of Scotland's under-20 rugby team in the Junior World Championships is clouded after concerns were acknowledged today by the Scottish Rugby Union.

Ireland are believed to be on the brink of withdrawing due to player welfare issues and also cost, although the International Rugby Board cover flights and hotel expenses for each of the 12 countries currently competing in Italy where Scotland face Tonga tomorrow in a bid to avoid relegation from the top tier.

Along with suggestions that Scotland and Wales are ready to follow suit it was reported today in Ireland that a decision to pull out of subsequent events has already been made despite IRB pressure.

An SRU spokesman said: "We are in discussions with the IRB so are probably not in a position to make any comment at this stage."

But the spokesman also said: "A number of things are on the table for discussion with the IRB. Graham Lowe (SRU Performance Director) is out with the under-20s and he will be having discussions."

Cited as further reasons for the Irish withdrawal are the timing of the competition and the number of games with five scheduled in a 17-day period.

• Scotland have entered camp for the World Cup with uncapped flanker Dave Denton saying on Twitter: "Day one bloody beeeeaaast! Gonna be absolutely flying by the end of this camp. Or dead?"