Southwell 'stood down' by Scotland

Published: Wednesday, 27. July, 2011 in category Southern Hemisphere

Fullback Hugo Southwell will miss the World Cup in New Zealand, by mutual consent, Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said Wednesday.

The decision followed discussions with Southwell, capped 59 times, and who appeared in five of Scotland's matches at the 2007 World Cup.

Robinson said: "After talking this through with Hugo we've taken the decision to stand him down from our Rugby World Cup squad by mutual consent.

"Hugo has been working hard to recover from a knee injury but has not been able to take a full part in our training camp and while he may be fit to resume playing in mid-late August both Hugo and I have decided that he will not be part of our World Cup plans.

"Hugo has been very diligent in his rehabilitation programme and I'm sure he will be determined to perform for Scotland again in the future."

At this juncture no player is being added to the squad which is now 38 strong.

The final Scotland squad of 30 for World Cup will be announced on Monday 22 August, two days after Scotland's final Test against Italy at Murrayfield (Saturday, August 20).