Scotland Probables
Scotland Probables is a select Scottish amateur rugby union trial team that draws its players from all Scottish-Qualified based players. The Probables in its name refers to the rugby players most likely to play for the Scotland national rugby union team. They usually played off against a Scotland Possibles side in a trial match to see which players would then go on to play for Scotland in a test match.
| Full name | Scotland Probables |
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History
Trial matches to determine international selection are almost as old as the first rugby union international match itself.
The first international was held in 1871.
The first district match, the Glasgow District versus Edinburgh District was held in 1872. The 'inter-city' match, as it was known, provided Scottish selectors a great platform to pick players to represent Scotland on the international stage.
In 1876, the playing franchise was widened out to the whole of Scotland. The West of Scotland District versus East of Scotland District became the premier trial match to pick the Scotland international players.[1]
The district system was further expanded:- and North of Scotland District, South of Scotland District, Midlands District and Scottish Exiles were created.
In addition, composite district sides like Provinces District and Cities District were also formed.
All these district sides gave Scottish selectors a basis to pick the best players they could for Scotland.
A more formal trial system began in 1878. This was the first time a Blues versus Whites trial match was formally played; for the purpose of selecting a Scotland side.[2]
The Scotland Probables versus Scottish Possibles match was the final trial match of the season to aid the players cause for international selection.
It gradually became more important and eclipsed the East v West matches which then became selection matches at age-grade level.
