England Under-20 international Tom Heathcote has been added to Scotland's squad ahead of their clash with Tonga.
The Bath fly-half has represented England at junior level, including at the IRB Junior World Championship, but is eligible to represent Scotland as he was born in Inverness.
"I am delighted to be called up to the Scotland squad. I've always known I was eligible to play for Scotland and I'm grateful to be given this opportunity," Heathcote told scottishrugby.org.
The 20-year-old comes into the squad after fellow number ten Ruaridh Jackson was one of five players released from the squad that faced South Africa.
"Tom has worked his way into the Bath first team squad from the academy and we've been monitoring his progress for the last couple of years," explained Scotland coach Andy Robinson.
Comments
NHsaints says...
Hmm that's a shock, I didn't know he was Scottish qualified...a shame for England as he's very promising, Scotland better look after him or else ;) good job we have enough depth not to need him.
Posted 19:08 21st November 2012
ShamanSheep says...
Scotland strike again! Keep your kids wrapped up safe and sound this winter folks, there's a rampaging Union on the prowl, and it could be coming for you!
'He was doing just fine, he had good grades at school, lots of friends and he'd just begun starting regularly in the 1st XV when one misty morning he was taken by the Scots, all we can say is we hope he's OK up there, we haven't heard of him since'
Posted 17:22 21st November 2012
Michtymauler says...
Ah melkdave , I was just thinking about the Shingler saga when I read this and how ridiculous that saga was and still is!! Same scenario here, young guy who sees the fastrack to the international stage and you can't blame him. He'd maybe always be on the periphery at Bath and never be considered for England.. Bloody shame for Shingler as he definitely would've been in contention!!! Well done again IRB..
Anyway, good on Robinson.. Dropping Jackson after that ridiculous chip kick five metres from the SA line... What a moment of madness!! Robinson should continue to kick out the non performers especially after a golden opportunity to beat a mediocre SA team. Please tell me Ford is on the bench!! After 70 caps he still can't throw a ball in straight! Six line outs in a row last month for Edinburgh and what do Scotland decide to do when camped on the SA goal line... Yep and nice long crooked lineout throw by Ford!
If Scotland don't finish in the top three 6N next year I think AR will be going back down south..
Posted 18:50 20th November 2012
APV1 says...
I didn't realise he was Scotland-qualified until I saw this on the Bath website and elsewhere.
Can we cap him for 1 minute against SA on Saturday and make him properly English..?
Posted 12:08 20th November 2012
lawynd says...
This leaves Ford and Burns as England's heir apparents...personally I don't believe that Farrell should be anywhere near the team until his game improves and he starts playing at fly-half for Saracens.
Good on Heathcote though, he's looked very promising for Bath and I'd start him over Donald every day of the week.
Posted 10:27 20th November 2012
jamesliveinhope says...
shame because I thought he was one for England - the Scots better not break him.
Posted 08:46 20th November 2012
melkdave says...
Good for Scotland ,and also maybe for Heathcote,note no whining from the RFU or England,that he should only play for England blah blah .What the WRU did too S.Shingler still irks me even today,it wasnt warrented and and wrecked a promising players dream.That decision should be overturned imo,as it was a technicallity only ,and is never likey to happen again ever.
Posted 08:37 20th November 2012
Centre12 says...
This is great for Scotland, he has been very impressive for Bath over the last 12 months, with the likes of Flood & Farrell with England at present and Burns & Ford bidding their time, one can only assume that he would get very limited opportunities. He is doing the right thing if he wants to play regular international rugby
Posted 02:57 20th November 2012
atg77 says...
That's a shock, had never heard of him before now. Scottish qualified players coming out of nowhere these days! Hope he can make an impact... we really need it.
Posted 22:22 19th November 2012