Scotland 7s coach Stephen Gemmell today challenged his squad to improve on their displays in the opening two IRB World Series tournaments of the season.
 
Gemmell was speaking as the IRB announced the draw for the American leg of the series – which will be staged in Las Vegas for the first time on 13 and 14 February.
 
Scotland have been drawn against 7s powerhouses, Samoa and Kenya, and their pool is completed by Chile, who they will face for the first time.

Gemmell said: “We have to improve on what we did in the first two tournaments in Dubai and George.  We were disappointed with our performances there.  We need to be much more accurate in contact and work much harder in retaining possession, especially against Samoa and Kenya, who we know from past experience play so adeptly off turnover ball.”
 
Scotland won the consolation shield tournament in George but of the 11 ties they played in the two tournaments they won only three, drew one and lost seven.
 
Las Vegas follows on from previous IRB American tournaments elsewhere in California and Gemmell believes it’s an exciting choice of venue.  “Las Vegas is renowned as a glamorous location for other sports – boxing at Caesar’s Palace for example – and following the decision to admit 7s to the Olympics from 2016 – there’s every chance that we’ll see further growth in the popularity of 7s in the States.”
 
Before the Las Vegas tournament Scotland take part in the Wellington tournament in New Zealand on 5 and 6 February when they have been drawn in a pool against Fiji, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
 
Las Vegas draw:  Pool C: 13 February Scotland v Samoa (12.28pm local time); Scotland v Kenya (3.36pm local time); and Scotland v Chile (6.08pm local time).
 
The Scotland squad for both tournaments will be announced later this month.