John Barclay says he is determined to make the Scotland World Cup squad and impress in Japan after missing out in 2015. The Edinburgh flanker was overlooked by then head coach Vern Cotter for the last World Cup in England, which saw the Scots narrowly miss out on a semi-final place after a heartbreaking defeat to Australia at Twickenham.
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Since then, Barclay has become an important figure in the Scotland squad under Gregor Townsend and, when fit, has often been given the armband to lead his country. Having overcome his injury problems to play for Edinburgh at the end of last season, the 32-year-old has revealed his determination to make his chance in Japan count this autumn.
“My biggest disappointment in 15 years of rugby was to not get picked for that (2015) squad,” Barclay told BBC Scotland. “It’s something that motivated me not just this year but motivated me to get back involved with Scotland and really push for that. I’d love to go to another World Cup.”
He added: “I’ve still got a lot to prove to myself and to the team and I would just love to go to a World Cup in Japan with Scotland. To be part of this group would be really special.”
