Scottish Rugby
Scotland call up Heathcote
ESPN Staff
November 20, 2012
Tom Heathcote looks to pass the ball on, Saracens v Bath, Aviva Premiership, January 8, 2012
Tom Heathcote could feature against Tonga on Saturday © PA Photos
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Scotland have bolstered their ranks ahead of their Test with Tonga with England U20 fly-half Tom Heathcote.

Heathcote turned out for England in the IRB Junior World Championship in the summer but was born in Inverness. And the 20-year-old has opted to play for Scotland and could line up against Tonga at the weekend.

Coach Andy Robinson has released fellow stand-off Ruaridh Jackson back to his club side the Glasgow Warriors, seemingly paving the way for Heathcote to feature potentially on the bench with Greig Laidlaw continuing at half-back. Heathcote has shone for Bath since his Aviva Premiership debut in 2011 and Robinson revaled that he has been "monitoring his progress for the last couple of years."

Heathcote said: "I am delighted to be called up to the Scotland squad. I've always known I was eligible to play for Scotland and I'm grateful to be given this opportunity."

Jackson was the only released player who featured in Saturday's 21-10 defeat by South Africa. The stand-off will prepare for Glasgow's RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Leinster on Friday along with Alex Dunbar and Tom Ryder.

Edinburgh wing Lee Jones joined prop Allan Jacobsen, who announces his retirement from Test rugby on Tuesday, in staying in the capital as the Scotland squad travelled to Aberdeen to prepare for the Pittodrie clash. Robinson will name his team on Wednesday as Scotland look to bounce back from defeats by the Springboks and New Zealand.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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