Scotland reinforces squad for Rugby World Cup Sevens

London: Scotland have bolstered their squad for next month's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai by calling up three hugely experienced performers.

Coach Steve Gemmell welcomes back former captain Scott Forest from injury and has also been able to turn to Rob Dewey - a full cap at centre - and Jim Thompson, who was a key performer in last season's World Series.

The squad also features Colin Gregor and Andrew Turnbull who appeared in the last Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong four years ago.

Gemmell said: "It gives everyone a lift to bring someone like Rob Dewey into the squad. He is a big physical player with full international experience and has shown he can perform at the highest level.

"It's also a massive boost to have Scott Forrest back. His involvement speaks volumes for his determination and the tremendous amount of work he has put in with the medical staff since he suffered a dislocated fractured ankle back at the beginning of November. He's been with me all the way in sevens and his physical and mental fitness is right where it needs to be going into a World Cup."

Scotland face pool matches against South Africa, Canada and Japan in the Dubai event which takes place at The Sevens from March 5-7.

Favourites England, meanwhile, have named a hugely experienced squad for the historic first ever Women's World Cup Sevens.

Sue Day and Jo Yapp, who are both veterans of three 15s World Cup campaigns, have come out of international retirement to land seats on the plane to Dubai.

And five further players - Maggie Alphonsi, Charlotte Barras, Rachael Burford, Danielle Waterman and Michaela Staniford - all took part in the 2006 World Cup.

England have put together a terrific unbeaten run in recent months, including a dramatic success recently in San Diego, but head coach Simon Amor believes the tournament is far from a one-horse race.

He said: "Other teams to watch are Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They'll certainly be up there and there could well be some surprise packages in the shape of France and the Netherlands. Whatever happens this is going to be an exciting tournament."

England's pool game are against the USA, Russia and Japan.

Scotland squad: Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors, captain), Mike Adamson (Glasgow Warriors), Rob Dewey (Ulster), Andrew Easson (Edinburgh), Scott Forrest (Ayr), Roddy Grant (West of Scotland), Rory Hutton (Hawick), Roland Reid (Edinburgh), Scott Riddell (Blaydon), Colin Shaw (Glasgow Warriors), James Thompson, Andrew Turnbull (both Edinburgh).

Do you like the 7s format of rugby more than the Rugby Union games? Will you be there at the Sevens to watch the World Cup next month?