Scotland have named four uncapped players in their provisional World Cup squad.
Glasgow Warriors prop Ryan Grant and Bath full back Jack Cuthbert are joined in the Scotland party by young back rows David Denton and Robert Harley.
The quartet, who are 25, 23, 21 and 20-years-old respectively, are among 19 players who will be appearing at their first World Cup if they make the final cut.
Head coach Andy Robinson has targeted a quarter-final place at least in this autumn’s global gathering in New Zealand and the former England boss is satisfied with the talent at his disposal.
“I’m pleased with the squad. There’s a good blend of the experienced, the battle-hardened and up and coming talent,” said Robinson, who will trim his squad to 30 after two summer fixtures.
“The task that lies ahead for these players now is to be at the very peak of their powers in order to do themselves, their families, friends and country proud in New Zealand in September and October.
“Scotland have always qualified from the pool stages to reach the quarter-finals at the six previous Rugby World Cup tournaments and that has to be our first target this autumn.”
Having been drawn alongside England, Argentina, Romania and Georgia, Scotland take on Ireland and Italy this August
Robinson, who requested that a handful of Scotland players, including Ross Ford and Ali Kellock, be rested for the latter stages of the club season, is gathering his home-based players together for a World Cup training camp on June 20.
The Scotland Rugby Union are also hoping to come to an agreement with English clubs that will see the likes of Joe Ansbro, Euan Murray and Jim Hamilton made available on the same date.
“All of our players will be on individual development programmes aimed at improving them as rugby players through a combination of fitness, strength and conditioning, led by Neill Potts and his team, and skills coaching,” added Robinson.
“Amicable discussions are continuing with Exile players who are at PRL clubs in England in order that they will be able to join the training camp as soon as possible thereafter.”
Provisional Scotland World Cup squad
Backs – Joe Ansbro* (Northampton Saints); Mike Blair, Ben Cairns* (both Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Cuthbert* (Bath), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca* (Edinburgh), Max Evans* (Glasgow Warriors), Ruaridh Jackson* (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw* (Edinburgh), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison* (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Nikki Walker (Ospreys)
Forwards – John Barclay, John Beattie* (both Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross*, David Denton* (both Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Ryan Grant*, Richie Gray*, Dougie Hall (all Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Robert Harley* (Glasgow Warriors), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock* (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low* (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie* (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch* (Gloucester), Fergus Thomson, Richie Vernon* (both Glasgow Warriors)
*Yet to play in a Rugby World Cup match.
Scotland’s World Cup pool schedule
Saturday 10 September v Romania in Invercargill, kick-off 2am BST
Wednesday 14 September v Georgia in Invercargill, kick-off 8.30am BST
Sunday 25 September v Argentina in Wellington, kick-off 9.30am BST
Saturday 1 October v England in Auckland, kick-off 9.30am BST
