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Page last updated at 17:03 GMT, Tuesday, 25 May 2010 18:03 UK

Scotland pleased with tours schedule

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson
Robinson is taking Scotland to Argentina next month

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson is happy to avoid three-Test tours against the southern hemisphere powerhouses.

The Scots will visit Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as Argentina, the Pacific Islands, Japan and North America between 2012-18.

But, unlike Ireland, England, Wales and France, Scotland will not be involved in any best of three Test showdowns.

"What works for us, from a performance perspective, is a mix between SANZAR and Tier 2 unions," said Robinson.

"That gives us the opportunity to develop players which is part and parcel of touring.

"As far as our overseas tours are concerned I do not believe it would be beneficial for us to play a series of three Tests against the individual SANZAR countries at the end of our season."

Scotland will host Australia, New Zealand and South Africa a total of nine times between 2012 and 2018, as well as welcoming Argentina to Murrayfield on three occasions.

During British and Irish Lions tour years - 2013 and 2017 - Scotland will feature in tournaments involving one of the southern hemisphere's big three and other countries, the details of which have yet to be finalised.

"I am very pleased with the tours schedule," added Robinson. "I think we have a first-rate programme of autumn Tests incoming to Murrayfield, which are important for our rugby development."

Graham Lowe, Scottish Rugby's director of performance, said: "I'm delighted that our request to the IRB for parity and equity in the November tour schedule has been accepted and that our preference for mixed tours in June has been agreed.

"Like Andy, I firmly believe that the schedule, as outlined, will assist with our rugby development and importantly develops solid relationships with some of world rugby's emerging nations."

Scotland visit Argentina for a two-Test tour next month.



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see also
Murray withdraws from Pumas tour
21 May 10 |  Scottish
BBC follows Scotland to Argentina
11 May 10 |  Scottish


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