South Africa-based back Huw Jones gets Scotland call

Scotland have added South Africa-based back Huw Jones to their squad for their summer tour of Japan.

Jones was born in Edinburgh, but has not been involved in the Scotland set-up until now.

The 22-year-old plays for the Stormers in Super Rugby and his preferred position is centre.

The Stormers' website describes him as "powerful, quick and with a neat step" and says he "is a significant threat in the midfield when given some space".

Jones comes into Vern Cotter's 27-man squad after Glasgow stand-off Finn Russell pulled out with a head injury.

The Scotland newcomer was educated in Somerset but his rugby career took off on a gap-year trip to South Africa in 2012. Jones stayed on and helped the University of Cape Town win the Varsity Cup in 2014, scoring in the final, before being called up for Western Province Under-21s.

He progressed to the senior team before being called up by the Stormers, for whom he has made 21 appearances.

Jones said: "I'm delighted to get this opportunity to play for Scotland. It's a dream come true.

"I didn't go out to South Africa with the intention of becoming a professional rugby player but, as my career progressed, it become more of a realistic goal to play for Scotland.

"The call came as a bit of a surprise but I'm thrilled and can't wait to get to Edinburgh next month and play my part in an exciting squad."

Cotter, added: "We're pleased to welcome Huw into the group and look forward to him deepening the competition in an already well-contested area of our squad."

Scotland face Japan on June 18 and 25.