Key role for Jericevich

FORMER Aberdeen Grammar scrum half Peter Jericevich will be a key player for Scotland today in the pool stage of the Emirates Dubai Sevens, the opening tournament in the IRB World Series.

Jericevich, now playing with Glasgow Hawks, has all the skills to excel in sevens rugby and is highly regarded by his team mates.

“PJ has fantastic fitness levels. He can just keep going and going in this very demanding sport” said Scotland skipper, Scott Forrest, one of three centrally contracted sevens players, in the squad.

Jericevich will share the scrum-half duties with Anglo-Scot, Mike Baxter, one of two England-based players making their international sevens debut today.

The other newcomer is Sale’s back row David Tait, who has represented England at under 19 and under 20 levels.

Coach Stephen Gemmell believes that his Scotland squad can compete with the best at Dubai.

He said: “We want to build on what we achieved in London and Edinburgh at the end of last season when we reached the semi finals in both tournaments.

“In the past at Dubai we’ve had some nice rugby players but we’ve not had enough ability to challenge teams going forward. I’m confident we can make an impact this year. We’ve got a squad of players who can all bring different strengths to the squad.”

Scotland’s first opponents today are the former world champions, Fiji. The Scots then face Samoa and finish the first day against Zimbabwe.