scotland winger out injured, but emphasises importance of aberdeen being awarded test

Lamont so sorry to miss a Pittodrie return

By Michael Gannon

Published:

Scotland winger Sean Lamont is disappointed to miss out on a return to Pittodrie after loving every minute of his first experience of international rugby in the Granite City.

The Northampton Saints player lasted just 41 minutes of his Scotland comeback against New Zealand when he limped off with a hamstring strain.

After 12 months of frustration on the sidelines with a knee injury, another lay-off was the last thing he wanted. The damage is nowhere near as severe this time, but the tear was enough to rule him out of last weekend’s match against South Africa and Saturday’s visit of Canada to the north-east.

Lamont was part of the Scotland side which defeated the Barbarians in front of a capacity Pittodrie crowd in 2005. The occasion is one the 27-year-old remembers fondly and he is expecting another memorable contest which can leave a lasting legacy of rugby in the region.

Lamont said: “I think it is great the SRU are taking the Scotland team to the north-east.

“The game is very Edinburgh and Glasgow-centric with a big gap in between.

“The north has not had top level rugby since the demise of the Caledonian Reds in 2002 and it will be good for the supporters to see some of these players.

“As a sport we have to look at ways of broaden our appeal and get children playing rugby. We have a pyramid system from the grassroots to the pinnacle and the wider you can spread the base the better the talent that comes to the top.

“If some children come along to Pittodrie and enjoy it, then they might want to take up the game and it starts to snowball.

“I played at Pittodrie three years ago and it was a tremendous experience.

“The main thing I remember was the atmosphere, it was incredible.

“The supporters are right on top of you and they showed they are a passionate bunch.

“The ones who make the most noise are the children and that is the best thing about it.

“Hopefully it will be sell out again this time and Scotland can put on a good game for everyone to enjoy.”

The Pittodrie game against the Canadians might be a novelty event for the north-east, but it is a deadly serious match for Scotland.

They want to end their autumn schedule with a victory after defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.

Lamont said: “The Canada match is important in its own right.

“It is crucial in terms of ranking points and we want to achieve a good performance and result to sign off the autumn internationals and give us something to build on ahead of next year’s six nations. The six nations is huge for us.

“It is the premier competition for the northern hemisphere nations and we want to do well.

“I will be working hard with my club over the next few months and hopefully I can build my fitness up so that I am up to speed by them.

“After so long out I have to retrain my body again.

“I used to take all the hits in my stride, but since coming back I have been bruising like a peach.

“It will not be long before I am back to my usual self though.”