Scotland pick four new recruits in provisional World Cup squad

Robert Harley, Ryan Grant, David Denton and Jack Cuthbert are the uncapped quartet in Andy Robinson’s 40-man pool.

Robert Harley is one of four uncapped players hoping to make the cut in the final 30-man Scotland squad. Pic: SNS Group

Four uncapped players have been named in Scotland’s provisional 40-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Forwards Robert Harley and Ryan Grant, both from Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh back-row David Denton and Bath full-back Jack Cuthbert have been called up by Andy Robinson, who also includes 15 others who have not appeared at a World Cup.

Robinson will trim his selection to 30 following a summer training camp, with the final cut being announced after the test match with Italy on August 20.

“I’m pleased with the squad,” Robinson said of his selection. “There’s a good blend of the experienced, the battle-hardened and up and coming talent.

“The task that lies ahead for these players now is to be at the very peak of their powers in order to do themselves, their families, friends and country proud in New Zealand in September and October.

“Scotland have always qualified from the pool stages to reach the quarter-finals at the six previous Rugby World Cup tournaments and that has to be our first target this autumn.”

Scotland will start their World Cup campaign against Romania on September 10, followed by matches with Georgia and Argentina. Their final pool fixture comes against England on October 1.

Provisional Scotland squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup

Backs: Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints); Mike Blair, Ben Cairns (both Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Cuthbert (Bath), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)

Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Nikki Walker (Ospreys).

Forwards: John Barclay, John Beattie (both Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton (both Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Ryan Grant, Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (all Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester)

Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Fergus Thomson, Richie Vernon (both Glasgow Warriors).

(stv sport)