Scotland and Wales have started a tug-of-war for London Irish’s centre/fly-half Steve Shingler after the 20-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Andy Robinson’s Six Nations squad.
Shingler is one of six uncapped players named in the 36-strong squad from which Robinson will select for the opening two games of the championship, against England at Murrayfield and Wales in Cardiff.
However, the Welsh have launched a protest with the International Rugby Board claiming that Shingler, who was born in Swansea, is not eligible for Scotland having played for Wales Under-20 against France last season.
The WRU claim that the team that played in that match were told they had committed themselves solely for Wales at senior level, although IRB regulations stipulate that Under-20 caps can still pursue other international eligibilities later in their careers. Shingler’s mother Jeanette was born in Dumfries and he is also eligible to play for England.
The SRU hit back saying that Singler refused to sign a declaration for the WRU that committed him to Wales and had made it clear to them that he wished to leave open his international eligibility.
”Scottish Rugby complies with International Rugby Board regulations and guidelines regarding the status of potentially Scotland qualified players,” said a statement from Murrayfield.
There are previous precedents which would appear to work in the SRU’s favour, with recent caps Thom Evans and Simon Danielli having played for other countries at Under-20 level and a recent IRB ruling concerning two other former Wales Under-20 players who now play for Connacht and are eligible for Ireland.
Shingler said on his selection: ”I would be massively proud to play for Scotland. My upbringing from my mother means I’ve always known about Scotland.
”I’ve got my gran, auntie, two uncles and two cousins in Langholm and other than the past year I’ve been up 15 years on the bounce to see them around the time of the Common Riding.”
Robinson said that he had been made aware of Shingler’s eligibility six months ago and they had had several meetings with him.
”He’s committed and passionate about playing for Scotland,” said the coach. ”We’re not twisting anyone’s arm to play for Scotland, as far as I’m concerned if anyone needs any motivating to play for us then I’ve picked the wrong guys.”
Shingler is primarily an inside centre but has played fly-half for Irish this season and his kicking ability offers different options for the future, added the coach.
He continued: ”I think of him as a 12 but he’s done well at 10 in the last few weeks and he’s got a great tutor at Irish in Mike Catt.”
Among other players included are 19-year-old Glasgow full-back/centre Stuart Hogg, who could be in line to be the first teenager to start for Scotland since Jim Renwick in 1972.
The national coach has gone for youth by picking two other 20-year-olds in Glasgow Duncan Weir and Edinburgh’s David Denton, but he has kept faith with all 28 of the players from the World Cup squad in New Zealand who have made themselves available.
Former Dunfermline colt Fraser McKenzie has won a recall and there are also places for Edinburgh captain Greig Laidlaw. Glasgow’s Rob Harley and young Edinburgh wing Lee Jones.