Scotish exiles release blocked by PRL

Three players from English Premiership clubs were today prevented from joining the Scotland squad in training ahead of their next match against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday week.

Lock Jim Hamilton (Leicester Tigers), wing Sean Lamont (Northampton Saints) and scrum-half Rory Lawson (Gloucester) found themselves affected by a decision taken by Premier Rugby Limited, the umbrella body that represents clubs in England’s Guinness Premiership, involving players from various countries’ international squads.

Scotland head coach Frank Hadden is clearly unhappy with this situation.

“This is most unsatisfactory. This decision taken by PRL at the highest level is most unhelpful for Scotland during our preparations for a vitally important Six Nations Test match against Italy,” said Hadden.

“It also places an unfair burden on our three Exile players who become piggy in the middle.”

Scottish Rugby has been in touch with the Rugby Football Union today in an attempt to work with them to try to resolve the situation with PRL.