Scotland Sevens coach Stephen Gemmell has named eight members of last year's squad for the final two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series.

The Scots reached the semis in London and Edinburgh in 2009 and hope to improve on that at Twickenham on 22/23 May and Murrayfield the weekend after.

Gemmell is delighted to welcome the players back for what he has described as "the best rugby event you can get".

"It's hugely exciting for me to get a squad like this together," he said.

Scott Forrest captains the team, while Roddy Grant, Ally Hogg, John Houston, Greig Laidlaw, Mark Robertson and Andrew Turnbull have been selected from Edinburgh's ranks.

The squad also includes the country's three full-time sevens players.

When we get back to Murrayfield, we want to be hitting the ground running so we are in a position to achieve something special Scotland Sevens coach Stephen Gemmell

The London event last season was the first time Gemmell's side had progressed to a cup semi-final.

"We've gone for as strong a squad as we can get, which is traditionally what we have done in London and Edinburgh," said the Scots coach.

"It's certainly pleasing for me, and hopefully the public, to see eight of the players involved last year back in for the final two legs of this year's World Series."

After a tough domestic season, Gemmell is encouraged at the levels of enthusiasm shown by the squad.

"What is really pleasing for me as a coach is that every player here is desperate to be involved - they're all keen to play for Scotland," he said.

"Our challenge over the next two weeks is to get these guys up to speed with sevens and put on a performance firstly they can be proud of and then something the public can get behind.

"The standard has moved on since last year. We have to look forward and develop our game at a speed that not only can be competitive in London, which is our first challenge, but move on from that.

"When we get back to Murrayfield, we want to be hitting the ground running so we are in a position to achieve something special."

The profile of rugby sevens is set to increase in the next six years following the announcement that the sport is to feature in the Rio Olympics in 2016 .

And Gemmell feels that this year's World Series offers fans terrific entertainment.

"This series has been massively exciting for people watching it," said the Scotland coach.

"I believe that this is the best rugby event you can get and those that have been to Murrayfield before will testify to that.

"There's a great atmosphere. What a difference it makes to a Scotland team when you've got a big crowd behind you cheering you on."

Scotland Sevens squad
Scott Forrest (Ayr, captain), Mike Adamson, Alex Blair (Edinburgh Accies), Chris Fusaro (Heriot's), Roddy Grant (Edinburgh), Ally Hogg (Edinburgh), John Houston (Edinburgh), Lee Jones (Selkirk), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Mark Robertson (Edinburgh), Colin Shaw, Andrew Turnbull (Edinburgh)

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