Scotland international wing Sean Lamont has joined up with the Scotland Sevens ahead of this weekend’s Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield – the eighth and final leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.
Lamont, who has been capped 36 times by Scotland, replaces Thom Evans after he was ruled out foot injury as the hosts look to build on their first ever Cup semi final appearance in London.
“I was sitting watching the London Sevens on TV and thinking it would be nice to play some Sevens again, especially in such nice weather,” admitted Lamont. “It was surreal when I got a call from [Scotland Sevens coach] Stevie [Gemmell] asking me if I wanted to play.
“I feel like the pressure is on me now because the guys put in such a great performance at Twickenham. I’m actually more nervous about this weekend’s tournament than I have been about any of the other games I’ve played in.”
Gemmell added: “Sean’s addition to the squad is great news in terms of bringing in international quality players to the squad. It puts out a real statement about our intentions this weekend and I hope it helps to encourage the Scottish public to come out and support the team.
“There’s no-one else the same as Thom [Evans] but Sean gives us terrific pace and power. What’s most important for me is that Sean wants to be here and it’s a great opportunity for him to perform on the international stage again.
“I know it’s been a while since Sean played Sevens, but it’s where he made his name and I’ve no doubt he’ll be a huge asset to the squad.”
Scotland will open their campaign at Murrayfield against England, the side who beat them 26-12 in the London Cup semi final, before facing Kenya and Canada in Pool C on Saturday.
Scotland Sevens squad: Scott Forrest (Captain), Mike Adamson, Roddy Grant, Colin Gregor, Allister Hogg, John Houston, Greig Laidlaw, Sean Lamont, Hefin O’Hare, Colin Shaw, Jim Thompson, Andrew Turnbull.
Tickets for each day of the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens Festival – priced at £15 for adults, £10 for students and senior citizens and £5 for under 18s – are available to by logging onto www.scottishrugbytickets.com, by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0871 200 1511 (open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) or in person from the Murrayfield Ticket Centre, Roseburn Street, Edinburgh (open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).
