Tait called back into Scottish union fold

FORMER Great Britain rugby league player Alan Tait has been rewarded for his fine recent form in the union code with a place in Scotland's squad of 21 for the international against Ireland at Murrayfield on Saturday week.

Tait (32), who joined Newcastle just before Christmas, won eight Scotland caps in 1987 and 1988 before making 12 appearances for Great Britain's rugby league side.

The former Kelso player, who followed his father into rugby league, had a magnificent outing for Scotland A in their 56-11 win over Wales A at Goldenacre last month, but it was not enough to convince the selectors to pick him for the game against England.

"We were always aware of Tait," said Scotland team manager Arthur Hastie at the Murrayfield squad announcement.

And Hastie insisted: "The fact that he was picked in the initial Lions squad had no bearing on his selection for the Scotland squad."

The selection of Tait is one of three changes to the Scotland backs from the squad picked for the England game. The other two who have been brought into the squad are Duncan Hodge and Cameron Glasgow.

Commenting on the selection of Hodge, backs coach David Johnston said: "Duncan's place-kicking skill is clearly a factor in his selection, as is his ability to provide cover."

Hodge will be opposite Craig Chalmers in the league decider between Melrose and Watsonians at the Greenyards, with Johnson admitting: "That will be a kind of trial."

Glasgow returns to the Scotland 5quad after recovering from an injury that delayed the start of his season.

Johnston said: "Cameron has always been a player with incredible talent. In many ways the game is moving in his direction. He has that essential ingredient of pace in addition to being a very good footballer.

Out of the squad go Twickenham try scorer Ron Eriksson, record cap holder Scott Hastings and winger Derek Stalk.

"Ron does a number of things extremely well, but he is limited in what he can do," revealed Johnston, who added, "Stark had a difficult time at Twickenham. Perhaps he has not yet developed all the necessary skills."

There are no changes to the forwards squad, with coach Richie Dixon defending his charges: "In the last two games Scotland won as much ball as the opposition. Our fitness was never in doubt. The problem was a lack of mental discipline."