Scotland v England: The fight for dual-qualified Six Nations stars
Two weeks ago, we parked the cars on English lawns, 12 miles from Twickenham, Scotland.
In the majestic surroundings of RGS Surrey Hills school in Dorking, a group of under-16 and under-18 hopefuls carried out drills under the supervision of staff from Scottish Rugby’s SQ (Scottish Qualified) programme.
The program is designed to connect with youngsters like Ashman, Rodd and others who live and play outside Scotland but could one day represent senior teams.
The SQ programme’s coaches, including British-born former Scotland international Peter Walton, are acting on tips from schools and clubs.
They also set up a recruitment station at senior age group rugby events, inviting people with pedigrees and interests to scan a QR code and enter their details.
All countries are working to maximize the talent pool.
England want to ensure Under-20 Rugby World Cup winner Junior Kpoku, who plays for Toulon and could be transferred to France, continues to wear white at the senior level.
South African-born center Benhard Janse van Rensburg will soon be eligible to join England on residency grounds after the Rugby Football Union successfully requested a review of his involvement with the Springboks.
But for countries with smaller talent pools (Scotland has around 50,000 club players, while England has 880,000), it means a higher premium if a particular promising youngster chooses to represent them.
What factors influence a player’s decision?
First of all, there is national pride.
Ashman said he had made it “quite clear” to England’s coaches that he wanted to play for Scotland in 2021.
But sometimes players can be torn between different parts of their identities.
Flanker Gary Graham, son of former Scotland prop George Graham, grew up in Carlisle. He attended a training camp in England, perhaps in an attempt to persuade his father for a joint interview. he told the Daily Mail in February 2018, external that he “felt more British than Scottish”.
A year later, having not played for England, he made his debut for Scotland, assuring fans that he “always wanted to play for his country”.
