SCOTLAND interim head coach Adam Houston continues a busy year at the weekend.
Houston, who switched to the Scotland camp following a highly successful sojourn with the England Universities representative side and, domestically, with Northumbria University, is bringing his proven expertise to the cause of Rugby League north of Hadrian’s Wall.
His strategic approach reaches the next stage when Scotland A meet the Royal Navy as a curtain-raiser to the Betfred Championship match between Newcastle Thunder and Whitehaven this Saturday.
The games, at Blaydon RFC’s Crow Trees Ground, Hexham Road, Swalwell, kick off at 1.00pm and 4.00pm respectively.
Further down the line, Scotland have senior international fixtures firmly pencilled in, with dates just being finalised.
On the nearer horizon, Scotland host Canada on Saturday, July 5 at what is now their established base at Hawick RUFC (a club once perhaps seen as an archetypal rugby union outfit).
These fixtures follow a 28-20 defeat, which was not without controversy, at the hands of the USA in Las Vegas back in February.
Houston, who is delighted by the positive links with Hawick RUFC, said: “The ground is superbly appointed, and Hawick themselves couldn’t be more helpful. The aim is that the relationship will not only be mutually beneficial, but also long-term.”
The Scotland Rugby League have been given a further boost through approaches from some well-established high-profile players who are more than interested in representing their heritage.
Houston, who himself has Scottish heritage – through his grandfather – said: “What’s very exciting is that we haven’t solicited these approaches in any way. The contact has been made by these players themselves.
“While this obviously augurs well for the future, we are also determined to build up our Scottish-based platform.
“That’s important for many reasons, not least that it’s a prerequisite for recognition by the International Rugby League.
“Partly with that in mind, we will be making the most of opportunities to see lads who have impressed in the domestic game, with the Scotland Students side and through the pathways.”