Shingler to focus on London Irish

STEVEN Shingler has pledged his full commitment to London Irish and given no indication that he will challenge the International Rugby Board’s decision that he is tied to Wales.

The 20-year-old fly-half or centre was named in Scotland’s RBS Six Nations squad in January, believing he qualified through his Dumfries-born mother. However, the IRB determined Shingler is eligible only for Wales after playing in an Under-20 international against France in 2011.

Shingler said: “Tuesday’s decision by the IRB confirms that I am now, exclusively, a Wales-qualified player. My aim now is to play well for London Irish next season and to be the best player that I can be. If my form is good enough to enable me to play international rugby in the future, then that will be great, but that decision will be out of my hands.”