Scotland have called New Zealand-born flanker John Hardie into their extended World Cup squad.
The Otago Highlanders player was quoted earlier this year as saying he wanted to fulfil his ambition of playing for the All Blacks, but the 26-year-old has vowed to fight for a place in Vern Cotter’s final squad for the tournament.
Hardie is a regular in Super 15 and qualifies for Scotland through a grandmother from Fife.
Hardie, who has arrived in Scotland to join up with his new team-mates, said: “Representing Scotland has been on my radar for a long time so I’m delighted to get this chance to compete for a place in the squad for the Rugby World Cup.
“I’m under no illusions how tough it’s going to be to make the final selection, but I’m looking forward to getting started and showing how much this opportunity means to me and my family.”
Cotter added: “We’re pleased to welcome John into the group and look forward to him intensifying the competition for places in an already fiercely contested area of our squad.
“Depth is crucial to any World Cup campaign and it will be vital to see the contributions of the entire squad in our four warm-up matches, before making a decision on the final 31.”