NO fewer than 12 Borderers have been included in the Scotland Club squad ahead of the forthcoming international against Ireland.

A total of 10 Melrose players along with one from both Hawick and Gala have been named in the 35-strong squad.

Melrose head coach Rob Chrystie will take charge of the team and is joined by Glen Tippett, who will assist as forwards coach, with Phil Smith from Heriot's remaining in the set-up as a selector.

Chrystie said: “It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to coach the Scottish Club XV side and I am looking forward to working alongside Glen and the best players from the club game.

“There are some extremely talented players and the programme is excellent for exposing players to a higher level and creating a platform for them to progress their rugby careers.

“I am sure all the players selected will be extremely proud and excited to represent their country."

The Club XV will open their season with a training match against Scotland U20 on January 23 before playing away and home matches against Ireland on Friday, February 23 and Friday, March 16 respectively. They will play their home fixture against Ireland at Netherdale.

Backs: Charlie Shiel (Currie Chieftains) David Armstrong (Ayr) Murdo McAndrew (Melrose) Gregor Hunter (Gala) Jamie Forbes (Currie Chieftains) Craig Jackson (Melrose) George Taylor (Melrose) Robbie Nelson (Currie Chieftains) Rory Hutton (Watsonians) Ross Curle (Stirling County) Craig Gossman (Ayr) Fraser Thomson (Melrose) Jordan Edmonds (Boroughmuir) Robbie Nairn (Ayr) Scott Bickerstaff (Marr)

Forwards: Adam Nicol (Stirling County) Nick Fraser (Watsonians) Nick Beavon (Melrose) Sean Muir (Hawick) Steven Longwell (Ayr) Struan Cessford (Heriots) Grant Stewart (Glasgow Hawks) Ross Graham (Watsonians) Russell Anderson (Melrose) Blair Macpherson (Ayr) Jack Turley (Heriots) James Head (Melrose) Robert McAlpine (Ayr) George Stokes (Ayr) Grant Runciman (Melrose) Ian Moody (Melrose) Pete McCallum (Ayr) Neil Irvine Hess (Melrose) Rory Drummond (Watsonians) Thomas Gordon (Currie Chieftains)