Scotland ‘A’ team head coach Andy Robinson has named eight Warriors in a 22-man squad for the opening international match of the season against Ireland at Donnybrook next Friday (13 February, kick off 7.30pm) with a further five other players scheduled to be added in due course.

Last year Scotland ‘A’ recorded wins over Italy (37-15) and Ireland (67-7) during the RBS 6 Nations with the likes of Phil Godman, Graeme Morrison and Ben Cairns using the matches as a springboard towards the full squad.

Now Robinson believes the class of 2009 can follow the same path by performing well for the ‘A’ team against the same opposition this time around

Robinson said: “We are looking forward to next week’s match. This is a stepping stone for the players towards achieving Test rugby.

“For the players who were not selected for the senior side this is an opportunity for them to put themselves in the shop window.

“It will be an important game for everyone involved. Last year we did well against Ireland and Italy, but regardless of those results we will be expecting a tough test in Dublin.”
 
Scotland ‘A’ squad (team sponsor Murray) to face Ireland ‘A’ at Donnybrook on Friday 13 February (kick off 7.30pm): Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors), David Blair (Edinburgh), Stuart Corsar (Rotherham Titans), Rob Dewey (Ulster), Calum Forrester (Glasgow Warriors), John Houston (Edinburgh), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Steven Jones (Newcastle Falcons), Ed Kalman (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh), Scott MacLeod (Edinburgh), Mark MacMillan (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Newlands (Edinburgh), Gordon Ross (Saracens), Steve Swindall (Glasgow Warriors), Jim Thompson (Edinburgh), Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Turner (Glasgow Warriors), David Young (Gloucester).

Please note a further five players from the senior Scotland squad will be added to the squad in due course.