FORMER Melrose winger Damien Hoyland and former Selkirk full-back Nyle Godsmark will make a step-up in the international arena having earned selection for the Gold Coast 7s in just over a week's time (Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October).

The two players were involved with Scotland 7s earlier this month in the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Sevens Series, but this will be their first outing on the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Head coach, Calum MacRae, said: "Damien [Hoyland] proved that he is capable of performing well at this level of sevens.

"He is a young player with a lot of ability, Damien has strong one-on-one skills which make him a handful in attack. For me it's important to let him test himself against World Series level competition and I'm sure he will thrive given this opportunity.

"Nyle [Godsmark] has performed well in the Rugby Europe tournaments and has earned his chance. He's more than a squad player to the group and should push the more established members for a starting slot."

Lee Jones, who kicked off his career with Selkirk, returns to the side for the first time since the Commonwealth Games in July, while Rory Hughes will win his third IRB circuit cap in the opening round of the 2014/15 season.

Hughes' last outing on the World Series came exactly two years ago at the same event.

MacRae continued: "Lee [Jones] and Rory [Hughes] are experienced pros and hard workers. They are all dynamic ball carriers and will add another edge to the team attack. I thought Lee was outstanding at the Commonwealth Games.

"Glasgow Warriors pride themselves as a aggressive defensive unit under Matt Taylor and this is the main quality I am looking for the boys to bring to the table.

"Gregor [Townsend] thinks very highly of this duo and I'm looking for them to bring the form from their XVs into sevens.” The remaining seven players in the squad are made up of the abbreviated national team's professional players.

Mark Robertson, from Melrose, will win his 30th cap at the Gold Coast 7s, while Colin Gregor will take part in his 51st World Series event.

Lewis Young earns his second cap following his debut in London in May, while twin brother Gregor will win his seventh cap. Gregor was also last involved at Twickenham in May.

Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, James Johnstone and Scott Wight are also involved. Wight continues as captain after being asked to lead the team in the Rugby Europe events in Manchester and Bucharest earlier this month (September).

Scotland 7s will open their 2014/15 circuit campaign against Fiji (3.02am), Australia (6.45am) and Portugal (9.39am) on Saturday 11 October at the Gold Coast 7s, Australia (times are BST, tournament live on Sky Sports).

MacRae concluded: "The last two weeks of competition have been very important to see where we are as a group, to test some new strategies and for me to get to know this group of players."

"We have identified areas we need to improve to ensure we are ready for the Gold Coast. There were positives from Manchester and Bucharest and we must build on these.

"Fiji are always a top performing team. They have very good dynamic, evasive players and will be well organised under Ben Ryan.

"Our defence will be tested against them, our players know their qualities as a team and are looking forward to the challenges Fiji will present.

"Australia have put a lot of emphasis around the breakdown, so we will have to be clinical in this area of the game.

"Finally, against Portugal we have to control the tempo of the game and apply pressure in defence.

"All things considered, I'm looking forward to returning to the World Series environment and to see this team put in some performances Scots can be proud of.” Scotland 7s to compete in the Gold Coast 7s, Australia on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October: Scott Riddell, Gregor Young, Struan Dewar, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Mark Robertson, Damien Hoyland (Edinburgh Rugby), Nyle Godsmark (Edinburgh Accies), Rory Hughes (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Wight CAPTAIN, Lee Jones (Glasgow Warriors) and Lewis Young.