Volleyball: Scotland's men and women both face tough tests in Novotel Cup

SCOTLAND'S new-look international volleyball teams will get an idea of where they stand in Europe when they play in the Novotel Cup in Luxembourg this weekend.

All first division matches in the Schelde Sports Scottish League – due to return this weekend – have been postponed with players on international duty .

The Scotland women's team includes City of Edinburgh pair Claire Stewart and Cathy Smy and also Edinburgh Jets' duo Jill Runciman and Laura Bolton.

Former Edinburgh player Jen Thom has been brought in from the full-time Great Britain squad in Sheffield to boost the Scotland team for matches against Denmark, Austria and the hosts.

It is likely to be a difficult test for the team as they build towards the European "C" Championships in May.

The same can also be said of the Scotland men's team under new coach Simon Loftus, who won 69 caps for the national side. He has included City of Edinburgh's Barry McGuigan and Gavin Watt in his squad, which boasts a mix of youth and experience.

"We have a lot of young players but hopefully the older players in the squad will aid their development," Loftus said.

"It is a huge honour to be appointed national team coach and I am grateful to the association for giving me this chance."

Scotland face Latvia, Austria and Luxembourg, which will be a baptism of fire for Loftus, who takes over as coach from Tommy Dowens, who was 17 years at the helm.