Scotland to wear special commemorative jersey against France

Scotland will be marking the 20th anniverary of the Scottish Rugby League by wearing a special lime and black change strip when they face France in Galashiels on Friday night.

The game could be significant for Scotland, with Steve McCormack’s team only needing a defeat by less than 18 points to win the European Championship and claim a spot in the 2016 Four Nations.

To mark the occasion of the first ever rugby league test match in the Borders region, several Borderers who starred in rugby league will be present.

Hull KR and Wigan legend George Fairbairn, born in Peebles and raised in Coldstream, will be there, as will David Rose, formerly of Huddersfield, and brothers Stan and Ron Cowan, who played for Leeds and Hull FC respectively.

The lime and black change strip is being branded as the ‘Galloween’ shirt, as the game is taking place on Halloween.

Doncaster winger David Scott is urging the Borders public to get to Netherdale and back the Scots, as they hunt for their fist significant international success.

“For the development of the sport it’s massive to have a game in the Borders,” said the former Easterhouse Panthers junior.

“Those people in Scotland who are unsure about rugby league should come down and see what it’s all about.

“It’s a fantastic sport that doesn’t get the credit it deserves in Scotland. Off the back of the World Cup and the publicity we got there, and winning the first two games this year, it would be great to have a big home crowd behind us on Friday.”

Scotland coach Steve McCormack may have to tweak his line-up for the game, as backrower Brett Phillips and winger Alex Hurst are nursing injuries.

Leigh prop Adam Walker does return from suspension, however.