Laney out of Scotland squad

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has omitted Brendan Laney from his World Cup squad to play in Australia next month.

The New Zealand-born player, who was controversially fast-tracked into the side two years ago, has been struggling with a leg injury suffered in Edinburgh Gunners’ defeat by Connacht at the weekend.

The other surprise in the Scottish squad is the inclusion of Borders wing Nikki Walker, who had originally appeared to have missed his chance when he was dropped to the Under-21 side ahead of the RBS 6 Nations at the start of the year.

However there is a place in the 30-man squad for Gregor Townsend, who had a question mark over his inclusion after being released to play for the Borders in a club match at the weekend.

But there is no place for Simon Webster, who scored his first international try in the final warm-up game against Ireland on Saturday.

Scotland squad for the World Cup:

Backs: G Beveridge (Glasgow), M Blair (Edinburgh), A Craig (Orrell), S Danielli (Bath),

A Henderson (Glasgow), B Hinshelwood (Worcester), K Logan (Wasps), J McLaren (Aviron Bayonnais), G Metcalfe (Glasgow), C Paterson (Edinburgh), B Redpath (Sale, capt), G Ross (Leeds), G Townsend (Borders), N Walker (Borders).

Forwards: R Beattie (Gwent), G Bulloch (Glasgow), B Douglas (Borders), S Grimes, (Newcastle), D Hall (Edinburgh), N Hines (Edinburgh), G Kerr (Leeds), M Leslie (Edinburgh), G McIlwham (unattached), A Mower (Newcastle), S Murray (Edinburgh), J Petrie (Glasgow), R Russell (Saracens), T Smith (Northampton), S Taylor (Edinburgh), J White (Sale).