LONDON Irish utility back Greig Tonks has been called up for Scotland’s summer tour.
The 27-year-old replaces former Exile Sean Maitland – who was injured in Saracens’ Aviva Premiership defeat to Wasps earlier this month – in new coach Gregor Townsend’s first squad ahead of games against Italy, Australia and Fiji.
Tonks (pictured) has been capped six times for his country and last featured for the national team in the 2015 summer test win against Italy. He was due to join the squad after London Irish’s Greene King IPA Championship play-off final against Yorkshire Carnegie last night.
Exiles' director of rugby, Nick Kennedy, said: “I’m delighted for Greig and this is testament for all the work he has put in throughout the course of the season. He is a very talented player who will add quality to the Scotland squad for their summer tour.”
Scotland head coach Townsend added: “We’ve watched Greig closely this season. He’s done really well in a good London Irish side and played a lot of full back, but also covered at centre and stand-off.
“He’s a player who brings aggression and a really good kicking game but also has the ability to step up at first and second receiver. Primarily we’re looking at him as a 15, but it’s positive he can cover other positions as well.”
Scotland will face their summer tour opponents on consecutive Saturdays, starting against Italy in Singapore (10 June), followed by Australia in Sydney (17 June) and Fiji in Suva (24 June).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here