And they hope the whole of the Borders will get behind them as they attempt once again to upset the odds.

The Bravehearts were the surprise package of last year’s World Cup.

Steve McCormack’s team triumphed over Tonga at Workington and held Italy to a draw in front of packed Derwent Park crowd.

They then went on to beat the highly-fancied USA at Salford to reach the quarter finals.

Although the Scots eventually came unstuck against the might of New Zealand, they won both plaudits and world ranking points along the way.

With some of Super League’s biggest names, including Huddersfield Giant Danny Brough, Matty Russell of Warrington Wolves and Ian Henderson of the Catalan Dragons, they hope to do it all over again in the European Championships.

Head coach McCormack hopes the sudden rise up the rankings will continue - and he has vowed to keep bringing through the exciting young prospects.

He told the Border Telegraph: “This time last year hardly anyone had heard of Matty Russell or Davie Scott.

“By the end of the World Cup they were both playing in a quarter-final against Sonny Bill Williams and the rest of that awesome New Zealand team. It will be great to see who is next off the block.” Next month’s match against France will be the first rugby league international ever staged in the Borders.

The national team, which was only formed in September 1994, are playing for a coveted place in the 2016 Four Nations tournament where they will face England, New Zealand and Australia.

But first they will have to get by Ireland in Dublin on Thursday, September 25, Wales at Workington’s Derwent Park on Friday, October 17, and finally the French at Netherdale on Friday, October 31.

Scotland also hope to honour former rugby league stars who hailed from in and around the Borders at the match.

Jedburgh’s David Rose, who helped Great Britain win the 1954 World Cup, was given the honour of leading out the Scots for last year’s quarter-final against New Zealand at Headingley.

A spokesman for Scotland Rugby league told us: “David is one of dozens of Borderers to turn professional in the last century and become great successes in the 13-man code.

“It is hoped that many of the men who contributed to Scottish rugby league’s heritage will be guests at Netherdale for the Borders’ first taste of international rugby league.” Tickets for Scotland against France, who are made up mainly of players from title-challengers Catalans Dragons, are priced at just £10 for adults with under-16s and over 65s at £5.

A special priced family (one adult and two children) ticket is also available for only £15.

Tickets can be ordered online at scotlandrl.com or bought at the gate.