Scottish Rugby
Robinson still hopeful over Shingler
ESPNscrum Staff
March 9, 2012
London Irish's Steven Shingler looks to spread the ball, Edinburgh v London Irish, Heineken Cup, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, January 22, 2012
Steve Shingler has been at the centre of a row between Wales and Scotland © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Andy Robinson | Steve Shingler
Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations
Teams: Scotland | Wales

Scotland boss Andy Robinson is still confident Steve Shingler will line-up for his side despite the International Rugby Board ruling in Wales' favour in the eligibility row.

The 20-year-old fly-half or centre was included in Robinson's provisional Scotland squad for the Six Nations, sparking an investigation into his eligibility. The Scottish Rugby Union believed the London Irish player qualified through his Dumfries-born mother, but the Welsh Rugby Union contended Shingler was tied to them having played for their Under-20s side against France in 2011, despite having not signed a declaration to that effect.

On Thursday, it was ruled Shingler is eligible only for Wales but there remains a glimmer of hope for Scotland as the eligibility criteria could be overhauled by the IRB council in May, excluding under-20 teams from being a capturing team.

The IRB council can overturn decisions by the regulations committee and though any new law would not be applied retroactively, Shingler's case arose during the review on eligibility launched in April 2011 - meaning it is feasible they could reopen the door for him to represent Scotland.

Robinson said: "The ruling has been made but it will now go to the council. What we are pleased about is that the Under-20s cannot capture players in the future. It looks like one game has captured one player. Obviously because of that we feel we can proceed further in support of the player."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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