Uncapped trio get Scotland call

Scotland have named uncapped trio Ben Cairns, Thom Evans and Moray Low in their 30-man squad for their summer tour to Argentina.

Head coach Frank Hadden today announced 25 names in his touring party, with the party’s remaining two backs and three forwards still to be determined.

But certain of their places barring injury are 22-year-old Edinburgh centre Cairns, Glasgow Warriors wing Evans and his clubmate Low, a prop forward, who are both 23.

There is also a recall for Warriors hooker Dougie Hall after a long injury absence.

Hadden revealed Cairns, Evans and Low had been rewarded for their club form and their displays earlier in the season in Scotland A’s victories over Ireland and Italy.

He said: “I’m delighted that the bulk of this squad will be home-based players, which is a reflection on the recent form of both of our professional teams and the quality of the development work which has gone on in our country over a number of years.”

Hadden is waiting for this weekend’s final Magners League games, while also monitoring the recovery of players from injury, before confirming the final five members of his squad.

The head coach is under no illusions of the task facing his men on next month’s two-Test tour against the side who beat them in last year’s World Cup quarter-finals.

He said: “We are fully aware of the size of the challenge but it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“Argentina have made enormous progress over the last 10 years and thoroughly deserved to be ranked third best side in the world.

“We ran them close in the quarter-final of the World Cup and we’re fully committed to reversing that result in June.”

Hadden will be assisted on the tour by Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen and Edinburgh counterpart Andy Robinson.

The expertise of Mark Bitcon (strength and conditioning), Duncan Hodge (kicking) and Alan Tait (defence) will also be on hand.

Mike Blair retains the captaincy and Hadden added: “Experience is a precious quality at international level and we will look to Mike and a number of our seasoned professionals to set the tone on this tour.”

Scotland squad for the summer tour of Argentina:

Backs: Chris Paterson (Gloucester), Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Ben Cairns (Edinburgh), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow Warriors), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors), Phil Godman (Edinburgh), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Mike Blair (Capt, Edinburgh), plus two players who will be selected later this month.

Forwards: Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Northampton), Moray Low (Glasgow), Scott MacLeod (Llanelli Scarlets), Dave Callam (Edinburgh), Johnnie Beattie, John Barclay, Kelly Brown (all Glasgow Warriors), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh ), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), plus three players who will be selected later this month.