Luke Hamilton says it is a “huge honour” to be selected in the Scotland squad ahead of the autumn international series.
The 25-year-old Leicester Tigers back row was among 10 uncapped players selected in the squad and will join up with his colleagues after Sunday’s Aviva Premiership trip north to face Newcastle Falcons.
Hamilton qualifies through his Scottish father, despite previously playing for Wales Under-20s and will now hope to push for inclusion in the matchday squad for autumn Tests against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.
“I spoke with Scotland late on Sunday night,” he said. “It is a huge honour to be selected and I’m looking forward to getting started in the camp next week.”
Hamilton confirmed he had been in contact with national coach Townsend for the last two years and believes playing across the back row with Tigers this season could have helped him earn selection.
Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “Luke has played really well on the big stage over the last couple of weeks in Europe and you can understand the interest from Scotland.
“He has shown this season that he can play at 6, 7 or 8. He just wants to play and his skillset warrants him playing. He’s been fantastic for us.”
