John Barclay to fly home – Rugby News Update
John Barclay, the 25-year-old Scotland flanker, will not line-up for his team when they play Samoa this Saturday at Apia.
Scotland on their tour of the southern hemisphere has already beaten Australia in their own backyard, and added Fiji to the list recently. However, they have one last game against Samoa but Barclay will not be participating, as he is getting married, and
it was decided before the tour that he would not play the last match.
Andy Robinson, the head coach of Scotland elucidated on the status of the flanker.
"He has got his wedding a week on Saturday and we have always said that we were prepared to release him after two games," Robinson told BBC Sport. "There are two reasons for this. One is the difficulty of travel from Samoa and the other is the risk of injury.”
He further added, "Obviously, we have got plenty of back-row cover."
Richie Vernon or Stuart McInally will most likely be drafted in to replace the departed player, and it is not easy to call a replacement up from Scotland. He spoke about the injuries and said, "Injury-wise, we have got shoulder bruising to Al Kellock, Max
Evans and Ryan Grant,"
"Euan Murray has twisted his knee and Al Strokosch has a calf irritation,” he added further.
Andy Robinson will be keen to ensure that his team keeps the perfect record, and go back home without any disappointments. Prior to the tour, Robinson’s position was under scrutiny, as Scotland had been on a bad run of form. Victories in the southern hemisphere
will help him regain the confidence of his players, as well as the Rugby Board.
Barclay made his debut against New Zealand a day before he turned 21 at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. His first international game forged his reputation as a player who would have a successful career, and would hold onto the No.7 shirt for Scotland for years
to come.
So far the flanker has played 39 games for his country, starting all but 2.
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