Watsonians and Edinburgh centre Scott Hastings, with a record 66 caps to his name, has failed to make either the full or the `A' squads for Scotland's two pre-Christmas Tests against Australia.

Explaining his reasons for omitting Hastings, coach Richie Dixon said: "It was felt that Scott has lost form. He is struggling to regain it at this time and we always said that current form would play a big part in our deliberations."

Hastings was one of six players from the original list of 61, which featured in training gettogethers last month, that failed to make the squad. The other unlucky players were Kelso utility back Iain Farley, who has yet to start a game this season, Heriot's winger Cammy Glasgow, Edinburgh Accies' Paddy Haslett and the Boroughmuir pair of Ally McLean and Sandy Penman.

Dixon did leave the door ajar, though, for six senior squad members currently on the injured list. It is hoped that Dundee pair Stewart Campbell and Tom Smith, Stirling centre Ian Jardine, Bath skipper Andy Nicol, Currie hooker Graham Ellis and Newcastle No 8 Peter Walton will be fit to play some part in the two further sessions on October 15th and 29th in preparation for the first Test on November 22nd.

Scottish Borders flanker Adam Roxburgh was handed the chance to bring his prodigious talent to the international stage when he was named in the 30-strong senior squad for the first time.

Roxburgh's belated call-up at the age of 27 is a reward for some outstanding displays in this season's European Cup.