Brough captained Scotland in the 2008 World Cup

Wakefield Wildcats scrum-half Danny Brough is to turn his back on Scotland and pursue an international career with his native England.

The 26-year-old captained Scotland in the World Cup in November last year having qualified via his grandfather.

He has told Scotland coach Steve McCormack he will be unavailable for the European Nations Cup this year.

"I'll be putting myself forward to play for England," Brough told Rugby League World magazine.

"If you want to be the best you have to play against the best and that's Australia and New Zealand.

"If I stick with Scotland, I won't get the chance to play against these nations."

606: DEBATE You can't make it into one team (England) in the World Cup - so you choose another (Scotland) that'll have you. Then you want to play for England again. It's playground stuff!. l11dsu4ever

England, coached by Tony Smith, play Australia, New Zealand and France in the new Four Nations Series in October and November, around the same time that Scotland are competing against Ireland, Wales, Russia, Serbia and Lebanon in the European Nations Cup.

However, any potential England career for Brough is likely to have to wait until at least November 2010.

Under Rugby League International Federation rules, players have to wait two years since their last international appearance if they wish to play for another country for which they are eligible.

The rule was introduced on the eve of the 2008 World Cup to prevent players switching allegiance at will.

Ironically, teams in the 2010 European Nations Cup would be playing for a place in the 2011 Four Nations Series, therefore giving players from Scotland, Ireland and Wales the chance to face Australia and New Zealand.

At present, Brough is sidelined after undergoing surgery and will miss the start of Super League XIV.

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