Give local youth a chance - Williams

New Scotland coach Matt Williams has urged clubs north of the border to cease drafting in imported players to allow young local talent to flourish.

Williams, who succeeded Scottish Rugby Union director of rugby Ian McGeechan after the World Cup, was speaking as he unveiled the national side’s new training camp at Stirling University.

The former Leinster coach believes the quick-fix route to success adopted by some clubs is preventing new Scottish players developing for the future.

Williams said: “I want to see the clubs follow our example of keeping our players in our country.

“My ideal scenario would be for these clubs to adopt the same guidelines the the pro-teams are going to follow – no more than two imports.”

Williams is also planning to lure back players who have moved south and will try to persuade former Scotland internationals, who are now leading lights in the business community, to help by providing long-term employment for players.

Williams was delighted with the new headquarters for the team as they attended their first squad session under the new coach and his assistant, former New Zealand international Todd Blackadder.

Former Scottish internationals Andy Nicol and George Graham are also on Williams’ coaching staff.

Pride of place at the first squad session was reserved for the banner hung across the dressing rooms, proclaiming ‘Dun Alba’ – Gaelic for Fortress Scotland.

Williams said: “The response of the guys has been very positive.

“The atmosphere of the place is one of world class performance – and the biggest advantage is that everything is within walking distance.”