Scotland recall Skinner to squad

By Mark Stevens
4/3/19

Head Coach Gregor Townsend today welcomed Exeter Chiefs forward Sam Skinner back into his Scotland squad ahead of this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations Test against Wales at BT Murrayfield Stadium (2.15pm).

Skinner joins Hamish Watson and Willem Nel (both Edinburgh), plus Glasgow Warriors pair Stafford McDowall and Grant Stewart in returning to the squad.

They are accompanied by incoming trio Matt Fagerson and former Chiefs winger Byron McGuigan – who missed out on initial selection through injury – and London Irish prop Gordon Reid.

Exeter-born Skinner has not featured for Scotland since their opening round win over Italy at Murrayfield. On that occasion, the 24-year-old was forced off early on his Six Nations debut after sustaining an injury to his ankle.

Since then Skinner has been working hard with the Chiefs medical and rehabilitation staff and has been recalled to international duty at the first opportunity by Townsend.

Full-back Stuart Hogg - who will join the Chiefs next season - will not join the squad in the camp this week as he is not being considered for this Saturday’s game against Wales, following the shoulder injury he sustained against Ireland in the second round of the championship.

He remains under the joint care of the Glasgow Warriors and Scotland medical teams, with his rehabilitation progress and review ongoing.