Netherlands and Scotland men have announced their squads for tomorrow’s (Saturday) senior international at RC Bassets in Sassenheim (kick off 2pm local time), for world ranking points.
The game marks a return to the venue of their initial meeting in 2003, and is the first of three internationals for the hosts who are also scheduled to face Ireland in Zaandvijk before they travel to Serbia.
Netherlands head coach, Dave Hunter, has included five potential new caps in his squad; Hidde van der Berg and Indi Snabilie of Amsterdam Cobras, Kevin Ebbing and Mavi Gevers from Brabant Bears, and Zwolle’s Pieter Kluvers .
““It’s not every day we get to test ourselves against a quality nation like Scotland,” he said. “There is a real buzz amongst the players, our preparation has been good. Mavi and Kevin from this year champions Brabant Bears deserve their inclusion, it’ll be good to see how all the new guys step up.”
Scotland’s team is made up of players from their domestic competition and will be coached by Newcastle Thunder assistant coach and England Students head coach Adam Houston. Selection rewards those who are contributing to the rebuild and growth of the sport locally with a cap.
Houston noted: “This match is significant for a number of reasons, it’s the first time Scotland senior men’s team have taken to the field since quite a disappointing World Cup Campaign in 2022. It’s important to try and restore the Bravehearts to where we all feel they should be in the world rankings.
“Every member of the playing squad is currently playing their club rugby in Scotland or has previously represented in the Students Pathway. Netherlands have recorded some impressive results and had an unbeaten 2023 campaign, so we’ll have to be at our best to get the result. The players have responded well to all I’ve asked of them and I feel we’re as prepared as we can be. What we may lack in experience compared with previous Scotland sides, we’ll more than make up for with plenty of passion and pride.”
Through co-operation with the French Rugby League Federation, Louis Moreau-Réfat will referee the fixture.
NETHERLANDS SQUAD
James Adams, Hidde van der Berg, Indi Snabilie (Amsterdam Cobras), Bonne Wilce, Kees Kuijpers, Kevin Ebbing, Mavi Gevers (Brabant Bears), Tom van Bokhoven (Cromer Kingfishers), Maas van der Reek, Maurits Thomson (Den Haag Knights), Arie-Tjerk Razoux Schultz (Harderwijk Dolphins), Mitch Donnelly (Narrabean Sharks), Tom Turnock, Edson Neves (Rotterdam Pitbulls), Damon Koolstra (West Tigers Mackay), Dimitri Haringa, Mike Prins, Paul Kuijpers, Pieter Kluvers (Zwolle Wolves)
SCOTLAND SQUAD
Pete Burns, Jordan Duncan, Rory Hamilton, Terry Logan, Mikey Mair, Johnnie McMillan, Stef Paton, Craig Wishart (Edinburgh Eagles), Duncan Arthur, Lee Cairney (Forth Valley Vikings), Jamie Banks, Andrew Brown, Gregor Cowan, Niall Hall, Robbie Keith, Ross Moir (Glasgow Rugby League), Ben Morris, Luke Punton (Scotland Students)
Phil Caplan