Border Telegraph | Sport | Hines is set for Scotland return

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 22nd February, 2006 10:32

Hines is set for Scotland return

By Border Telegraph Sport

IT is almost eight years since Nathan Hines arrived at Gala, but it was not long before his value to Scotland was recognised.

Less than a year after the Border Telegraph was first newspaper to interview the player in the dressing room from which he was to be an outstanding clubman, Hines moved into the professional ranks with Edinburgh Reivers.

He first played for Gala against Aberdeen Grammar School FP in September, 1998, and last game against Kelso in the BT Cup final in April, 1999 after 27 appearances.

He scored seven tries. He played in Gala’s success in winning Division 2, gaining promotion, winning the BT Scottish Cup and taking the Melrose Sevens Cup on a never-to-be-forgotten day at The Greenyards.

Hines, now capped 31 times at lock, joined French club Perpignan and turned his back in international rugby.

Now, in a change of heart, the 6ft 7in, 18st 4lb player has made himself available for Scotland selection for the rest of the 2006 RBS 6 Nations.

Hines last played for his country against England in 2005 before deciding to leave Edinburgh and join Perpignan. Although he had not ruled out a return to the international game, personal family reasons earlier this season meant he was unable to make himself available for international duty back in Scotland.

However as his circumstances changed, Hines had been able to open up talks with Scotland coach Frank Hadden for the past few weeks. And Perpignan have agreed to allow the Australian born Scot to make himself available for international selection.

“I’m excited to come back. Of course there’s a bit of pressure but mostly excitement. I’m looking forward to seeing the boys and Frank again and I’m grateful to the club for their understanding,” said Hines, who was born in Wagga Wagga.

Hadden added:” I have been in regular contact with Nathan since I took up the position of Scotland coach and he has made it clear to me, from our first conversation, his hunger to play for his country.

“There were a number of issues to overcome before we could see Nathan in a Scotland squad again – his relationship with his club and a number of personal circumstances.”

The 29-year-old lock’s international career began six years ago when he came off the bench for Scotland against the All Blacks. He made four appearances for Scotland in their 2003 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Hines joined the Scotland squad for training on Monday in their preparation for the Calcutta Cup on Sunday.

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