With both their running and wheelchair domestic seasons having just kicked off, Scotland RL are already planning for 2024 and beyond. Following a consultation with the clubs and other interested parties, newly appointed club’s liaison officer, Barry McGuffog, has unveiled plans to bring back representative rugby in the form of Scotland Club XIII and the return of Scotland ‘A’ after a significant hiatus.

“I believe it’s important that we start looking ahead to next season early so that we can get everything in place and clubs can start planning accordingly,” he said. “This season is predominantly about consistency and ensuring games are played so that we have a solid platform to build on for 2024. I floated the idea of bringing back representative rugby to the board and clubs, we need to be to attract more people to the sport and grow the game.

“The intention is to bring back the Club XIII concept for domestic-based players and a Scotland ‘Exiles’ for Scottish-qualified players based elsewhere. The two will then meet and a Scotland ‘A’ team to play international fixtures will be selected from there.”

McGuffog added: “I want to look at creating genuine pathway opportunities for both players and coaching staff alike. I would like to think that Scotland ‘A’ could be a stepping stone for homegrown players to make the full international side too, and that having a chance to gain international honours will attract new players to rugby league.”

Further announcements about the programme, including fixtures,  will be made throughout the summer.

Pictured - Edinburgh Eagles captain Lewis Clarke who has full Scotland RL Test caps and was member of the Bravehearts World Cup squad last year.