Fergus Thomson

Thomson joins eight other Warriors in Rob Moffat’s 27-man squad which features a blend of youthful talent and hardened international experience. One additional player will be added later this month taking the squad to 28.

Speaking about his appointment, Thomson said: “Although I was disappointed not to make the Scotland tour to Argentina, it’s a great honour to captain my country at ‘A’ level.”

On the players he has selected for the tour, Moffat said: “We’ve got an exciting group of players. There’s a good mix of ambitious young players and a few internationals.

“Although the average age of the squad is relatively young, I’m confident that the players are ready to take that next step up and contribute to a successful tour.”

On his return from the tour, scrum-half Mark McMillan will join the Glasgow squad ahead of the 2008/09 season taking the full Warriors playing contingent on the tour to ten.

In addition to the players and coaches, Glasgow Warriors physiotherapist Lisa Casey and video analyst Rob Holdsworth will be part of the management team.

The Barclays Churchill Cup aims to develop and grow the sport of rugby union across Canada and the USA.

The tournament has grown in success since 2003 when just 5,000 people attended. In 2006, when Scotland defeated England Saxons and Canada to reach the final, the tournament attracted over 28,000 spectators.

In June 2008, the tournament - which is named after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill - will be contested by Scotland A, England Saxons, Canada, USA, Ireland A and Argentina Pumas.

The Scotland ‘A’ squad (sponsor Murray) to compete at the 2008 Barclays Churchill Cup In North America next month is…

Backs: Scott Barrow (Glasgow Warriors), David Blair (Edinburgh), Marcus Di Rollo (Toulouse), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Rob Dewey (Ulster), Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors), Steve Jones (Newcastle Falcons), Calum MacRae (Edinburgh), Mark McMillan (Wasps), Sam Pinder (Glasgow Warriors), Roland Reid, Mark Robertson (both Edinburgh), Gordon Ross (Saracens)

Forwards: Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Jon Dunbar (Leeds Tykes), James Eddie, Ed Kalman (both Glasgow Warriors), Andrew Kelly, Alan MacDonald (both Edinburgh), Andy Miller (Exeter), Scott Newlands (Edinburgh), Fergus Pringle (Edinburgh), Craig Smith (Edinburgh), Stevie Swindall, Fergus Thomson, Dan Turner (all Glasgow Warriors), David Young (Leicester Tigers), plus one more player who will be selected later this month.

Scotland A’s fixtures at the 2008 Barclays Churchill Cup
Saturday 7 June, Twin Elm Rugby Park, Ottawa – Canada v Scotland A (kick-off 4:30pm local time)
Wednesday 11 June, Richardson Stadium, Kingston – Argentina v Scotland A (kick-off 4:35pm)
Saturday 21 June, Toyota Park, Chicago – Finals Day

Team Management
Head coach – Rob Moffat
Coaches – Shade Munro, Gary Mercer, Stephen Gemmell
Strength & conditioning coach – Neill Potts
Doctor – Dr Alistair Nicol
Physiotherapists – Lisa Casey and Louise Wright
Video Analyst – Rob Holdsworth
Team manager – Karen Burnett