A TOTAL of nine players from Borders clubs have been selected for the Scotland Club XV squad.

Rob Chrystie has been appointed head coach of the team, who will play two fixtures against Ireland in the new year in a bid to retain the Dalriada Cup.

Selection for the Club XV is drawn from players who play for Tennent’s Premiership clubs across the country, bringing together the best players from Scotland’s domestic game.

Melrose, who are currently second in the Premiership, have seven players listed in the squad - Russell Anderson, Iain Moody, Grant Runciman, Neil Irvine-Hess, Murdo McAndrew, Craig Jackson and Fraser Thomson.

And two Hawick players - Shawn Muir and Lee Armstrong - have also been included.

The team will come together for the first time under coach Chrystie as they prepare for their first game against Ireland at Myreside on February 1.

Chrystie said: “It’s exciting to take it on after being the forwards coach last year.

“It’s an exciting stepping stone for those selected, and we’ve got a good blend and balance of youth and experience with those who have been selected, to recieve the highest reprehensive honours available in the club game.

“Selection has been all about those playing well in the Premiership and it’s great that these guys will get the opportunity to show what they are all about.”

The home-leg of the Dalriada Cup will be on February 1at Myreside before the team travel to Energia Park on February 8 for the return fixture.

Forwards

Shawn Muir (Hawick), Steven Longwell (Ayr), Struan Cessford (Heriot’s), Ross Dunbar (Boroughmuir), Ross Graham (Watsonians), Russell Anderson (Melrose), Blair Macpherson (Ayr), Jamie Hodgson (Watsonians), Iain Moody (Melrose), Callum Aitkinson (Boroughmuir), Hamilton Burr (Stirling), Ruaridh Leishman (Heriot’s), Grant Runciman (Melrose), Ian Wilson (Heriot’s), Jack McLean (Heriot’s), Neil Irvine-Hess (Melrose), Tommy Spinks (Ayr), Thomas Gordon (Currie), Robbie Smith (Ayr), Robbie Matthews (Boroughmuir).

Backs

Andrew Simmers (Heriot’s), David Armstrong (Ayr), Murdo McAndrew (Melrose), Gregor Hunter (Currie), Frazier Climo (Ayr), Lee Armstrong (Hawick), Craig Jackson (Melrose), Robbie Nelson (Currie), Ewan McGarvie (Stirling), Danny McCluskey (Ayr), Craig Gossman (Boroughmuir), Fraser Thomson (Melrose), Jordan Edmonds (Boroughmuir), Kyle Rowe (Ayr), Ben Robbins (Currie), Jamie Forbes (Currie).