GHA trio head for big time

A Pollokshields youngster will represent Scotland in the junior world championship.
The under 20 Scotland squad fly out.The under 20 Scotland squad fly out.
The under 20 Scotland squad fly out.

James Malcolm, a former GHA front-row forward who currently plays for Ayr rugby club, has arrived in Auckland as Scotland U20 side get set for their pool games.

The former Hutchesons’ Grammar School pupil will first see action against South Africa, on Monday, before facing Samoa on Friday June 6 and hosts New Zealand on Tuesday June 10.

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Scotland’s final pool game, against the hosts, will be televised live on Sky. The side is coached by former Glasgow Warriors boss Sean Lineen.

Meanwhile, GHA’s Zach Mercer has been selected in the 22 man Scotland U17 training squad to travel to Spain for a development camp this July.

The camp in Valladolid, which will focus on core rugby skills, speed and technical weight lifts, is the culmination of the under-17 regional pathway programme and will aid many players’ transition to the U18 international set-up.

Scotland under-18 head coach, Eddie Pollock, said “This is a full-time, professional camp in in top-class facilities. It’s a real eye opener for the players to see what it takes to make the next step towards being a high-performance athlete.

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“Many players have used this camp to push on to under-18, under-20 and professional rugby.It’s a fantastic learning experience .”

Meanwhile, former King’s Park pupil Rory Hughes - who previously played for GHA - has signed a one year deal with Glasgow Warriors.

The winger spent last season at Scotstoun as an Elite Development player.

The 21-year-old made his debut for the club in the win over Connacht at Scotstoun in February. He has made three appearances for the RaboDirect PRO12 finalists. and was part of the squad which won the the Melrose 7s last month.

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Rory Hughes said: “I’ve learnt a lot this season and I’m really happy to be staying at the club.This is a big opportunity for me and I’m determined to make the most of it.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend added “Rory is strong, quick and has made a number of technical improvements this season.

“The work he has put in has been transferred into much more control and discipline in his game. It’s great news that he’s going to continue his development at Scotstoun.

“This season Rory gained an understanding of what is required at pro level and he also played very well at the Melrose 7s. His hard work led him to being our top try scorer on the day.”