Kevin Bryce replaces Stuart McInally in Scotland World Cup squad
Monday 14 September 2015 15:17, UK
Glasgow hooker Kevin Bryce has been called into the Scotland World Cup squad because Stuart McInally has not recovered from a neck injury.
Bryce, who was also a late call-up to the provisional training squad, was told on Monday that he would be replacing McInally.
"It was quite a shock and it's not quite sunk in yet," said Bryce.
"I have been on the fringes and went away to Italy (where Scotland played a World Cup warm-up fixture) but I never thought I was going to get the phone call.
"I can get excited now. It's my first World Cup, so I will see what comes my way."
The 27-year-old has been capped twice previously by Scotland, having come off the replacements bench on a couple of occasions during their 2014 summer tour.
Scotland head coach Vern Cotter says Bryce's versatility will make him a useful member of the squad.
"Our hookers can play loose-forward and Kevin as an ex-loose-forward ticks the boxes, he can cover two positions," said Cotter.
"He came with us to Canada last year and played loose-forward in a game, and came with us to Italy as back-up. He knows the squad.
"He's a very good ball-carrier, he's an aggressive chap, and he works hard. We know he will give us everything he has got."
The tournament unfortunately comes too soon for McInally and the Edinburgh man will return to his club side to recover.
Cotter said: "I'm really disappointed for him.
"He has worked hard and to not be able to take part in this year's World Cup is very tough on him.
"He's a great rugby player, a good character. He's a leader and we hope he recovers as quickly as possible."
Scotland begin their World Cup campaign a week on Wednesday (23 September) against Japan, and Samoa, South Africa and USA are also alongside them in Pool B.
