BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | Hilton makes Scotland return

David Hilton has completed his return from the international wilderness with a recall to the Scotland squad to face South Africa on Saturday.

The prop forward has been brought in to replace the injured Mattie Stewart in one of a few changes to the squad from the one that defeated Romania.

Hilton was included in the training squad for the autumn Tests a few weeks ago but was subsequently named in the A squad.

Now he has a chance to win his first cap since the International Rugby Board banned him from representing Scotland nearly three years ago.

This is what I have been playing rugby for for two and a half years

David Hilton

Hilton told BBC Scotland: "It has been frustrating, but playing for Glasgow has kept me busy."

He admits that the ban had taken more than a year to sink in and had affected his form for a time.

"Hopefully, I am over that now and have been for quite a while," said the 32-year-old.

"I got the call yesterday and was a bit dumbstruck for a while.

Scots know they must improve

"This means the world to me. This is what I have been playing rugby for for two and a half years."

It had become clear that Hilton did not meet the eligibility criteria to play for Scotland after it was revealed his grandfather was born in Bristol, not Edinburgh, as had been thought.

However, in July of this year, the Glasgow player completed the three-year residency period required by the IRB.

Hilts has played some tremendous games for us in the past

Coach Ian McGeechan

That meant he became eligible to play for Ian McGeechan's side and he could earn his 42nd cap on Saturday against the Springboks.

There were times when Hilton thought he would never return to the international scene.

But he said: "I have been playing quite well, I have been involved in the international build-up many times and hopefully I can help settle a few nerves and help work out how to beat South Africa."

Coach McGeechan added: "Hilts is very good technically and he can play on both sides of the scrum.

"He has lots of experience and has played some tremendous games for us in the past. It's good to see him back."

Scotland squad:

Backs: Graeme Beveridge (Glasgow), Andy Craig (Orrell), Ben Hinshelwood (Worcester), Brendan Laney (Edinburgh), Stuart Moffat (Glasgow), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Bryan Redpath (Sale Sharks) captain, Gordon Ross (Leeds Tykes), Gregor Townsend (The Borders), Nikki Walker (Borders).

Forwards: Gordon Bulloch (Glasgow), Bruce Douglas (Borders) Stuart Grimes (Newcastle Falcons), David Hilton (Glasgow), Nathan Hines (Edinburgh), Martin Leslie (Edinburgh), Scott Murray (Edinburgh), Budge Pountney (Northampton Saints), Steve Scott (Borders), Tom Smith (Northampton), Simon Taylor (Edinburgh), Jason White (Glasgow).

Referee: Nigel Williams (Wales).


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