Skeen drafted in for Scots at Twickenham

Melrose stand-off Andrew Skeen has been called into the Scotland Sevens squad to compete in the final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in London this weekend. Jim Thompson drops out with a knee injury sustained in training this week.

Scotland Sevens head coach Graham Shiel said: “Jim’s injury isn’t serious, but it will take a few days to settle down so we have had to make a quick decision who to bring in because we need a full squad.

“We feel Andrew is definitely the best replacement, with his current form at the Earlston Sevens last weekend and his previous experience on the world stage.

“He will provide midfield cover, he is a steady player who can control games well and his kick-off is excellent.”

Scotland will take on Australia (11.14am), South Africa (2.42pm) and Portugal (5.06pm) at Twickenham today before moving into the knock-out stages tomorrow.

They will be looking to round off what has been a disappointing Sevens series this season, having failed to reach the quarter-finals of main Cup competition at every event.

Hopes were high that they could turn this around last weekend at their home event at Scotstoun last weekend, but last-minute tries cost them dearly in the pool stages, and Spain knocked them out of the Bowl in the semi-final.