Row erupts over Shingler

A row has erupted between the Scottish Rugby Union and the Welsh Rugby Union over the eligibility of Steven Shingler, who has been named in Scotland's RBS 6 Nations squad.

The 20-year-old Swansea-born, London Irish fly-half or centre was named as one of six uncapped players in Scotland head coach Andy Robinson's 36-man squad as preparations for the February 4 Calcutta Cup clash with England at Murrayfield began in earnest.

However, the final say on whether Shingler will be permitted to play for Scotland is now set to come from the International Rugby Board.

Shingler played at full-back for Wales under-20s against France under-20s in the 2011 Six Nations, when both nations declared the age-group squads as their second XVs, effectively handcuffing the players involved to those nations.

However, Scotland, who believe Shingler qualifies as a result of his Dumfries-born mother, have been assured by the player he kept his eligibility open by refusing to confirm his future would lie with Wales.

Following the declaration by the SRU, the WRU issued a further statement, effectively dismissing Shingler's claim and reiterating their stance.

The WRU statement read: "Steve Shingler played for Wales U20s against France in 2011 before which he was specifically informed, as were his fellow squad members, that the match would confirm their sole qualification as potential Wales senior international candidates.

"Shingler was told by the U20 team management that if he played in the game he would become a Wales qualified player and therefore ineligible for selection for any other nation.

"The regulations and guidelines relating to qualification compliance are set in accordance to IRB regulations and any questioning of these regulations should be directed to the IRB.

"We have made the IRB aware of this issue and will be returning to it as a matter of urgency [on Friday] morning."