Palmer the latest victim of tug-of-war
October 13, 2000

Tom Palmer, the Scotland Under-21 lock, is the latest player to be involved in an international tug-of-war after being included in Clive Woodward's England development squad.

The former Boroughmuir second-row player, now with Leeds, has no bloodline qualification to play for Scotland although the SRU are hopeful of keeping him amongst their fold.

"We very much hope that we'll be able to retain his services for Scottish rugby," a spokesman told The Scotsman newspaper. "Tom has indicated to us that he doesn't know a lot about this invitation [to train with England], and he hasn't made up his mind yet."

Phil Davies, the Leeds coach. "I'm sure he will play international rugby, but now he's got to sit down and think about his next step," Davies said.

Palmer's is not the first such case, nor will it be the last. Andrew Mower, Newcastle Falcons' Australian-born flanker, trained with an England squad last month before deciding to throw in his lot with Scotland. Mower attended a Scotland training session for the first time four days ago, and although injury prevented him from taking part, he should soon be given the chance to opt permanently for this country by playing for Scotland A.

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