After months of anticipation, Scotland finally received its invitations for men’s and women’s hockey and rugby sevens to compete in the 2010 Games. These invitations were formally accepted by Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) at their Board meeting on Wednesday (25 November) based on all three teams’ world rankings and recent results.  
 
For the Scotland Seven’s team it is particularly welcome news and a huge boost ahead of the start of the World Sevens Series in Dubai this weekend. The IRB Sevens Series will give them a full season of competition against the world’s best before finalising their preparations for Delhi.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Gordon McKie, commented: “Scotland gave sevens to the world, so I am particularly pleased to have our participation in the world’s second biggest multi-sport event, the Commonwealth Games, confirmed today.

“At this stage of the season, our sevens players are the best prepared they have ever been, with a view to inspiring the nation along with all the other sports competing for Scotland in Delhi.

“I am very much looking forward to the start of an exciting sevens season which finishes at the home of Scottish rugby, Murrayfield, little over four months out from the Delhi Games.”

For the men’s hockey team it had been an anxious wait as being Commonwealth ranked number nine, they needed to show they could reach the top eight standard required by CGS. However, an outstanding  bronze medal at the World Cup qualifier event in New Zealand earlier this month, with victories against higher world ranked opponents including a 5-3 victory over China in a penalty shoot-out,  convinced the CGS Board that they have what it takes to make the grade in Delhi.

Welcoming the news, Brent Deans, Scottish Hockey CEO said: “We are delighted that both men’s and women’s teams will be representing Scotland at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In agreeing to select the men’s team, CGS has recognised both their potential and unwavering commitment to make the grade. I am sure they will go on and compete with distinction in Delhi.” 

All three team’s final entries are subject to maintaining team form over the next year.

Confirming the news Jon Doig, CGS Chief Executive and Team Scotland Chef de Mission said: “We are delighted to accept the invitations for the men’s and women’s hockey and rugby sevens for Team Scotland at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.  We wish both sports well in their preparations over the next eight months after which final selection of all members of Team Scotland will be confirmed."