Williams shapes new Scotland squad

Scotland’s new coach Matt Williams today cut his squad down from 44 to 34 for their two three-day training camps at the start of the new year.

That meant there were 15 new faces from the World Cup, with Edinburgh’s Craig Smith keeping his place in the squad after replacing Gordon McIlwham.

Williams left out Leeds Tykes’ Gordon Ross to concentrate on a hectic schedule for his club as he named just eight players currently plying their trade outside Scotland.

He revealed at his last press conference that his long-term plan was to have all his international players playing their club rugby in the country and that was reflected in his new selection.

But while Williams dropped 10 players from his original squad he insisted that his pick will remain flexible and that many will still get their chance.

“This squad could very well change in the future,” said Williams.

“A fair group of these players will remain but we will bring in a number of players for each camp.

“We will change things around and certain players on the fringe, for example Gordon Ross who is not in this camp because his club is playing on the Monday and Thursday, will be back in the future.”