Warriors coach Sean Lineen

Glasgow Warriors’ Sean Lineen has been appointed as Scotland A head coach – succeeding Andy Robinson – for the match against Tonga at Netherdale, Galashiels on Friday 20 November (kick-off 7.30pm) - admission is free.

Warriors’ coach Shade Munro will continue as the A’s assistant coach for this match, while the promotion of Lineen to head coach has opened the door for Edinburgh Rugby assistant coach Nick Scrivener to complete the IRB Nations Cup winner’s management team.

Lineen said: “I’ve been involved with Scotland and Scotland A for a number of years so I’m delighted to be appointed as the head coach. International rugby presents a fantastic challenge for coaches and the players in a very exciting team given some of the quality young Scottish players coming through the ranks.

“It’s great that the game is being played in the Borders – home of some knowledgeable and vocal rugby supporters who will really want to come out in numbers to see a quality Scotland A side.

“Most of the Tongans play their club rugby in Europe – especially in France. They have some tremendous athletes and world-class players in the team including Toulouse number eight Finau Maka, who made a big impact in the 2007 World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on the quarter-finals.

“We’ll play a good brand of rugby, a real running game that will excite and challenge the players and get the crowd behind us.”

Scrivern joined Edinburgh in the summer

He said: “Being part of the Scotland A team is a great opportunity for me to work with other players and staff.

“Rob Moffat [Edinburgh Rugby head coach] often speaks about the Borders as a traditional stronghold and its passionate support, so I’m expecting it to be a fantastic occasion.”