Scotland

Seven Scotland players have been told their World Cup dream is over after head coach Vern Cotter released them from his extended training squad ahead of next month's tournament .

Matt Scott admitted he was relieved to see Scotland finally kick-start their 2015 campaign with a win - but insisted he was never worried the Dark Blues' eight-month losing streak would derail their World Cup bid.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter admitted he was pleased to see Scotland finally get back to winning ways - but admitted the Dark Blues will have to improve before the World Cup.

Scotland finally brought their eight-month wait for a win to an end as they edged a drab affair against Italy in Turin with a 16-12 victory.

Duncan Weir's last-gasp drop goal against Italy last year was the highlight of his career so far - but the Scotland stand-off is determined it will not be his only moment to remember.

Grant Gilchrist will finally get the chance to lead out Scotland when they face Italy in Turin on Saturday.

Blair Cowan insists he has no doubts about Hugh Blake's commitment to Scotland after watching his fellow kilted Kiwi give his all on his Test debut.

Scotland prop Ryan Grant's World Cup appears under threat due to an ankle injury suffered in 28-22 defeat in Ireland.

Vern Cotter has extended his Scotland deal until 2017.

Leinster Flanker Jack Conan will make his Test debut in Ireland's World Cup warm-up clash against Scotland in Dublin on Saturday.

Scotland will hand New Zealand-born flanker Hugh Blake his first cap against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Simon Amor has been appointed as Great Britain men's sevens head coach for next year's Rio Olympics.

Scotland centre Alex Dunbar remains optimistic about his World Cup chances after rejoining the squad following an American rehab trip.

Former Scotland captain Jonny Petrie has been appointed managing director of Edinburgh.

Scotland have called New Zealand-born flanker John Hardie into their extended World Cup squad.

Scotland centre Matt Scott believes he will approach the World Cup a stronger player than before his latest shoulder surgery.

Former Scotland Sevens captain Colin Gregor has been forced to retire because of a knee injury.

Stuart Hogg hopes the fear of missing out on a World Cup place will drive Scotland's players onto new heights.

Richie Gray has not enjoyed Vern Cotter's punishing training camp one bit - but he believes it will help Scotland when it comes to the crunch during the World Cup.

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter has added Edinburgh duo Dougie Fife and Ben Toolis to his pre-World Cup training squad.