Scotland Lose the Services of Skinner from World Cup

Scotland have lost the services of Sam Skinner from the World Cup. The English import has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old made his debut for Scotland last November against Fiji. That month would also see him facing Argentina, and South Africa while in the 2019 Six Nations he played against England, and Italy.

Skinner was born and raised in England and is a former England u20s player. He qualifies for Scotland via a parent and was not captured by England due to the England u20s not being the ‘next of XV’ when he played for them in 2015.

With Skinner out of the World Cup Scotland have added Tim Swinson as cover. A veteran of 38 test matches, Swinson now has a shot at playing in a second RWC tournament. Like Skinner he was born and raised in England with the difference being that he qualifies for Scotland via a grandparent.

Swinson’s last cap came in June 2018 against Argentina. His call-up comes ahead of Richie Gray who is out of favor with the Scotland coaching staff.