Steven Shingler ruled ineligible for Scotland

SCOTLAND will not be able to call upon Steven Shingler to play Test rugby after the International Rugby Board’s council ruled that he was ineligible.

In a unanimous decision, the board found that Shingler had been “captured” by Wales after playing in an Under-20 international against France in 2011.

The eligibility row was sparked when 20-year-old Shingler, a fly-half or centre, was included in Scotland’s RBS 6 Nations squad earlier this year.

The Scottish Rugby Union appealed against the original decision that Shingler was tied to Wales, made by the IRB’s regulations committee.

But that appeal was thrown out at yesterday’s IRB council meeting.

Andy Robinson initially selected Shingler on the understanding he qualified for Scotland through his mother, who was born in Dumfries.

Although Shingler had represented Wales Under 20s, the SRU argued he had never signed a declaration tying his international eligibility to Wales.

The SRU cited the complex cases of Matthew Jarvis and James Loxton, who played for Wales Under 20s in 2010 before switching their allegiance to Ireland.

The cases of Jarvis and Loxton prompted a global review, which recommended playing for an Under 20 team should no longer commit that player to that nation.

But that recommendation was dismissed by the IRB, who determined the Under 20s can be considered as the next senior national team.

The IRB instructed unions to publicly publish their second team designation on an annual basis and ensure that all players are informed.