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Rugby Union

Scotland critical of training block

13/02/2007

Frank Hadden has criticised the decision not to allow three English-based members of his Scotland squad to join the team's Six Nations training camp.

The Scotland head coach has been prevented from calling up Leicester Tigers lock Jim Hamilton, Northampton winger Sean Lamont and Gloucester's scrum-half Rory Lawson ahead of next weekend's match against Italy.

He said that the stance taken by Premier League Rugby, the umbrella group that represents the Premiership, was "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," Hadden said.

"It also places an unfair burden on our three exile players who become piggy in the middle."

Scottish Rugby has said it has been in touch with its English counterpart in an attempt to resolve the situation.

Earlier today England head coach Brian Ashton took the unusual step of naming his team to face Ireland ahead of schedule in order to pressurise Premiership clubs to rest their England stars this weekend.

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