Wales cry foul after London Irish centre Shingler receives first Scotland call-up
LONDON IRISH centre Steven Shingler has become embroiled in an international tug of war just hours after being named as one of six uncapped players in Scotland head coach Andy Robinson’s 36-man Six Nations squad yesterday.
Shingler, who qualifies for Scotland through his Dumfries-born mother, played for Wales Under-20s against France Under-20s in the 2011 Six Nations, when both nations declared the age-group squads as their official second XVs, ostensibly tying the players involved to those nations.
Swansea-born Shingler joined the Exiles from Scarlets at the start of the current domestic season and was a shock inclusion in Robinson’s squad, having featured in a commercial last year promoting the opening match of the 2011 Six Nations between Warren Gatland’s side and England in Cardiff.
And the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) appear determined to ensure the 20-year-old represents them, rather than Scotland at senior level.
“All the U20 players who represented Wales against France at U20 level in 2011 were informed that they would then become Wales qualified players only at senior level,” read a statement released by the WRU last night.
Meanwhile, all 28 available players from last year’s Scotland World Cup squad have been selected meaning veteran 33-year-old fly-half Dan Parks retains his place.