SCOTLAND HEAD COACH Vern Cotter has named the squad of 25 players he’s bringing for this weekend’s World Cup warm-up game against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
It’s Scotland’s first of four warm-up matches, with two further tests against Italy and one against France still to come.
Glasgow Warriors scrum half Henry Prygos has been selected as captain, with the starting side to be named Thursday.
The Scots will be leaving plenty of firepower at home, with usual captain Greig Laidlaw, brothers Richie and Jonny Gray, Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg all given an extra week before making their first appearance of the season.
Cotter has included four uncapped players in his squad, with New Zealand born flanker Hugh Blake, english prop Mike Cusack and South African Allan Bell all included, as well as young hooker Stuart McInally.
There are some first team regulars included though, with Tommy Seymour, Dougie Fife, Ryan Grant, Jim Hamilton and David Denton named in the squad of 25.
Scotland (v Ireland)
Backs: Dougie Fife, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Peter Horne, Ruaridh Jackson, Sean Lamont, Henry Pyrgos (captain), Tommy Seymour, Greig Tonks, Richie Vernon, Tim Visser, Duncan Weir.
Forwards: John Barclay, Hugh Blake, Fraser Brown, Blair Cowan, Mike Cusack, David Denton, Allan Dell, Grant Gilchrist, Ryan Grant, Jim Hamilton, Rob Harley, Stuart McInally, Gordon Reid, Jon Welsh.
